The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria, FFDGN, has blamed Nigeria’s leadership deficit for the nation’s food crisis and stunted growth.
National Chairman of the forum, Dr. Chris Akomas, said this in his opening remarks at the forum’s 3rd national conference, with the theme, “Strategic Solutions for Good Governance, Food Security, and Sustainable Growth in Nigeria,” in Abuja, yesterday.
He spoke just as former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, blamed years of military rule for Nigeria’s leadership woes.
Akomas, who was deputy governor of Abia State, said: “Nigeria is undoubtedly endowed with vast natural resources, a large population, awesome human resources and a rich cultural heritage.
“However, despite these advantages, we grapple with significant issues of governance challenges, food insecurity, and the difficulty of addressing sustainable growth.
“As leaders and citizens committed to our nation’s progress, we must chart a course that leads to effective and efficient governance, ensure food security, invest to drastically reduce poverty and hunger, eliminate insecurity, and ensure sustainable economic development.
“We are witnessing a transformative moment in Nigeria’s governance landscape; we are in the forefront and the FFDGN remains active participants in contributing the wealth of experience and insight available within our fold to drive positive change in Nation.”
Similarly, Director-General of the forum, Kenneth Ibe-Kalu, said: “The forum identified some gap needs and we are in a hurry to fill them in order to pass a banner without stain to our next generation.
He said: “The FFDGN, with its arrays of experienced, noble leaders will leave no stone unturned to see Nigeria develop in all leaps and bounds.
“This underscores our quest and zeal to attract FDI and as well as provide platforms that will facilitate the placement of made in Nigerian goods in each store in Europe.”
How military intervention defiled our federalism — Victor Attah
In his remarks, former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, disagreed with postulations in some quarters that the 1999 constitution could form the basis for good governance.
He said: “I identify fully with the findings of your October 2022 annual general meeting which was held in Uyo.
“The theme was ‘National Building In Challenging Times’ and the first major problem you identified was the installation by the military regime of a command structure that defiled Nigeria’s federalism installed from 1954.
“That defilement was carried over into the 1999 constitution and that, by destroying the foundation of federalism on which the country was built, has in my honest opinion, remained our biggest drawback to good governance, accountability, inclusiveness, productivity and development.”
“The challenging times are still here with us and you have identified in this year’s theme, the main challenges that are still facing us today.”
