Obi, Tambuwal, Advocate for Increased Powers for State Governors in Tackling Security Challenges
During the Annual Lecture and International Leadership Symposium of the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) in Lagos, some former governors emphasized the need for state governors to have more powers to effectively address the security challenges in their respective states. This call was made during a panel discussion at the event, which also featured the launch of a new book by Prof. Pat Utomi, founder of CVL, titled “Power, Politics, Public Policy Process and Performance.”
Former governor of Anambra and 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, highlighted the importance of governors having substantial powers to make security decisions for their states. He recalled his experience as governor, where he had the authority to act on security matters with the approval of the President. However, he noted that the level of autonomy granted to governors in this regard varied across different presidential administrations.
Obi also called for a stronger commitment from the President to combat insurgency and corruption, emphasizing the need for a system that punishes those involved in the ‘dollarization’ of business transactions, which undermines the country’s currency.
Similarly, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and governor of Sokoto State, Sen. Aminu Tambuwal, expressed concerns about the lack of consultation with governors on decisions affecting their states. He cited an example of the closure of borders linking Sokoto with three states in Niger during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, where he was not consulted.
Tambuwal emphasized the importance of restructuring and devolving more powers to governors to effectively manage security issues in their states. He also questioned the effectiveness of the presidential system of government in Nigeria, suggesting the need for reforms to align the system with the country’s realities.
Victor Attah, former governor of Akwa Ibom and Chairman of the occasion, stressed the need for governors to be partners rather than subordinates to the President in a federal system. He highlighted challenges he faced during his tenure as governor due to the nature of the federal system, calling for a constitutional review to address such issues.
Supporting the creation of state police, Attah also called for a trial of the electoral body’s activities to improve the nation’s electoral process. He advocated for a constitution written by and for Nigerians to drive progress in the country.
Prof. Pat Utomi emphasized the importance of good leadership, stating that Presidents should be good listeners and consult with governors on security matters. He praised late President Umaru Yar’adua for his listening skills and expressed regret over his untimely death.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh, highlighted the significance of democracy, governance, and national performance. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to lead in human capital development, economic growth, and good governance in Africa, calling on the country to take its rightful place on the global stage.
Daily Nigerian
