Unhealthy rivalry between govs, deputies bad for Nigeria’s democracy, says Prof Sonni Tyodern

***Canvasses for clearly defined constitutional roles for the deputy govs

The crises of confidence between Governors and their Deputies have been described as an unhealthy development for the Nigerian Democratic development as being recently exhibited in Ondo and Edo States.
Speaking on Tuesday at a two day National Conference by the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) in a paper he presented with the theme,”Resilience, A Positive Mindset And Indefatigability As Essential Tools For The Deputy Governor” Professor Sonni Tyodern Ex-Deputy Governor, Plateau state and a former Vice Chancellor, University of Jos
said there is need for the provision of clearly defined constitutional roles and functions for the Deputy Governor independent of the Office of the Governor.

Professor Tyodeen said the issue of succession should be handled in more democratic and transparent manner, adding that once, aspirants are given a level playing field rather than being imposed, Deputy Governors are likely to cooperate and work with their Governors.

He said Governors should continually bear in mind, that they came into office on the same platform and on a joint ticket with their Deputies, they should therefore operate as such and take each other into confidence.

“I believe that the framers of our Constitution provided for the two offices; Governor and Deputy Governor because they believed that the two are relevant and necessary for the smooth running of our democracy.
“However, the extent to which the two are increasingly at each other jugular is an issue for serious concern, as they are becoming irritants to the smooth running of the Nigerian democracy.

“The source of the friction between the duo varies from case to case, but invariably, they revolve round the issue of succession and the politics of schedule of duties.

“As a newspaper editorial observed “very few governors assign their deputies supervisory roles over certain government ministries or agencies”, thus rendering them redundant and irrelevant.

“True, the constitution provides a basis of support for the office of the Deputy Governor by making a provision for its establishment (S. 186). Indeed, as $187 states even the nomination of a gubernatorial candidate is incomplete without an accompanying Deputy.

“However, there ends the constitutional relevance of the Office of the Deputy Governor as all other functions, responsibilities of significance to that office are dependent on the acts of omission or commission by the Governor.

“Thus, S.193(1) states, the Governor shall “in his discretion” assign responsibilities to the Deputy. Two, the Deputy Governor can act as Governor when the Governor is proceeding on vocation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office.

“In that situation, the Governor has to transmit “a written declaration to the Speaker to that effect” (S.190).

“Finally, the processes of impeachment of a Deputy Governor although mainly a House of Assembly matter, the reality is that it is the Governor that pulls the strings behind the scene particularly in determining what constitutes the critical issue “gross misconduct, for which the Deputy Governor is usually being charged.

“So much has been made about the issue of loyalty between the Governor and his Deputy to the extent that it is assumed that the decline in the loyalty of the Deputy to his Governor, is the bane of harmonious relationship between the two.

“The issue of loyalty needs to be put in context to be appreciated. More often than not, it is assessed within the context of succession plans, with a Deputy Governor who disagrees with his principal over the issue, particularly when he is interested in succeeding his principal is seen as a betrayer who has committed sacrilege and to that extent, disloyal to his boss. It is usually forgotten that the Deputy Governor is also a politician and entitled to his own political aspiration.

“From the above, it is clear that a Deputy Governor is only as relevant as a Governor wants him to be.”