Former Deputy Govs Storm APC Secretariat, Want Inclusion In Party’s NEC

The forum of former deputy governors yesterday demanded to be included as members of the national executive committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

They made the demand when they met with national chairman of the governing party, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on a solidarity visit to the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Former deputy governor in Im

By George Agba, Abuja

The forum of former deputy governors yesterday demanded to be included as members of the national executive committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

They made the demand when they met with national chairman of the governing party, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on a solidarity visit to the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Former deputy governor in Imo State and chairman of the forum, Chris Alozie Akomas, who stated the demand noted that former deputy governors have the needed experience and expertise for which membership of the party’s highest decision-making organ demands.

“It bothers us that deputy governors are not members of the NEC with all the experiences we carry. We hope that will be redressed,” he stated.

The former deputy governors prayed for Ganduje to survive what he termed banana peels to have a seamless administration as chairman of the governing party.

He said, “We are here to congratulate you for coming to office as national chairman. We pray to God to take away the banana peels, because we know the enormous responsibilities that go with the office of national chairman of the party, not to talk from the ruling party.

“The forum is bipartisan, and we remain focused on one thing: the unity and stability of the nation, and above all, the general good.”

Responding, the APC national chairman, who is also a member of the forum in his capacity as a former deputy governor of Kano State under Rabiu Kwankwaso, said having occupied the office, he is aware of the challenges and difficulties faced by Deputy Governors.

“There is no doubt the position of the Deputy Governor is the most controversial position in governance. Not only in Nigeria but all over the world.

Except in some nations where some of the governors contest for their own party, the deputy governor can contest in another party, win the election, and work together. In Nigeria, it has to be the same ticket. The position of deputy governor, as I always say, is the most controversial position. That is why God has no deputy. Everyone is a servant. It is a no-go area.

“But as humans, our constitution has to provide for it as a spare tyre. And we all know the importance of a spare tyre. If you don’t need it when you are normal, then you will need it when you are in trouble.”

o State and chairman of the forum, Chris Alozie Akomas, who stated the demand noted that former deputy governors have the needed experience and expertise for which membership of the party’s highest decision-making organ demands.

“It bothers us that deputy governors are not members of the NEC with all the experiences we carry. We hope that will be redressed,” he stated.

The former deputy governors prayed for Ganduje to survive what he termed banana peels to have a seamless administration as chairman of the governing party.

He said, “We are here to congratulate you for coming to office as national chairman. We pray to God to take away the banana peels, because we know the enormous responsibilities that go with the office of national chairman of the party, not to talk from the ruling party.

“The forum is bipartisan, and we remain focused on one thing: the unity and stability of the nation, and above all, the general good.”

Responding, the APC national chairman, who is also a member of the forum in his capacity as a former deputy governor of Kano State under Rabiu Kwankwaso, said having occupied the office, he is aware of the challenges and difficulties faced by Deputy Governors.

“There is no doubt the position of the Deputy Governor is the most controversial position in governance. Not only in Nigeria but all over the world.

Except in some nations where some of the governors contest for their own party, the deputy governor can contest in another party, win the election, and work together. In Nigeria, it has to be the same ticket. The position of deputy governor, as I always say, is the most controversial position. That is why God has no deputy. Everyone is a servant. It is a no-go area.

“But as humans, our constitution has to provide for it as a spare tyre. And we all know the importance of a spare tyre. If you don’t need it when you are normal, then you will need it when you are in trouble.”