The National Chairman of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN), Dr Chris Alozie Akomas, has warned that Nigeria’s development will remain elusive unless political leaders embrace accountability, integrity and empathy in the discharge of their duties.
Akomas said power without character was destructive, while governance without compassion could not address the everyday struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
He spoke on Tuesday at the fifth national conference of the forum at Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, where he identified the growing disconnect between political leaders and citizens as a major obstacle to national development.
The conference, which runs from October 20 to 21, is themed, “Rethinking Nation-Building: Bridging the Leadership-Citizen Disconnect Through Orientation, Attitude, Character, Culture and Tradition Towards Sustainable Development.”
The FFDGN chairman argued that Nigeria could not achieve sustainable development through policies, budgets and administrative reforms alone without a corresponding change in the values and conduct of those entrusted with public office.
According to him, the widening gulf between leaders and citizens has weakened the collective effort required to build a prosperous and united country.
“We cannot build a lasting future on a foundation of indifference,” he said.
Akomas maintained that public office should be seen as a responsibility to serve, particularly the vulnerable, rather than an opportunity to enjoy privileges and exercise influence without accountability.
“Leadership is not a badge of immunity; it is a higher standard of accountability,” he said, urging political officeholders to replace arrogance with humility and a stronger sense of responsibility.
He added, “Power without character is destructive, while governance without empathy is an empty shell.”
The former deputy governor stressed that national renewal required more than new laws and government programmes, insisting that integrity, ethical conduct and commitment to the common good must underpin the country’s development efforts.
He warned that public confidence in government would remain weak if political leaders continued to ignore the economic and social difficulties confronting ordinary Nigerians.
However, Akomas said the responsibility for rebuilding the country should not rest on government officials alone, noting that citizens also had a duty to uphold values that promote unity and responsible citizenship.
“A nation is never rescued by its government alone; it is also sustained by the conscience of its people,” he said.
He called for a collective effort to bridge divisions across society, arguing that the process must begin in homes, classrooms, religious centres and local communities.
The conference attracted political leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, industry representatives, academics, youth and women’s organisations, and professional bodies.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, the forum’s Grand Patron, attended the gathering, while former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, served as co-chairman.
Earlier, the forum’s Director-General, Hon. Kenneth Ibe-Kalu, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting civic education, integrity and discipline as part of efforts to address the widening gap between leaders and citizens.
Ibe-Kalu urged participants to move beyond discussions and translate their deliberations into practical solutions capable of strengthening national unity, improving governance and advancing sustainable development.
Akomas urged Nigerians to choose character over convenience, community over division and action over despair, insisting that building a better country remained a shared responsibility.