Obong Attah charges forum of former Deputy Governors on nation building, accountability

…One or two of you will become Nigeria’s President, Osoba tells ex-deputy governors
….We will drive positive change with our wealth of experience, says Akomas, Forum’s National Chairman

By Chris Ochayi

The former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Arch. Victor Attah has called on ex-deputy governors to
provide Nigeria with the solutions that will bind country into a thriving nation that is moving forward.

Arch..Attah who made the call while speaking on Tuesday at the 3rd annual National Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria, FFDGN, noted that the country is facing challenges and therefore desperately need solutions to take it out of the woods.

Attah, who was the Chairman of the conference with theme , “Strategic Solutions for Good Governance, Food Security and Sustainable Growth in Nigeria.”, pointed out further that as a critical platform of quality managers of human and material resources, the forum is expected to contribute to nation building through advocacy for good policy initiatives that will promote a culture of accountability.

According to him, “The theme of your conference and the five sub-themes show that you have a clear awareness of our current situation in this country. Let me add to that my conviction that, as a forum, there is a lot that you can do to add value in all these areas.

“I say this because, I had found it necessary, in accepting to chair this occasion, to carefully read through your Fact Book.

“Your Fact Book tells me that you were “founded to provide opportunities for past Deputy Governors to deploy their expertise, skills and knowledge individually and collectively for the growth and sustainable development of Nigeria” it goes on to describe you as “a good governance interventionist Organization”. At this point I have to ask you:

• What do you consider as good governance?

• Have we been practicing good governance in Nigeria?

• How have you, as a forum, intervened?

He stressed further that, ‘As a critical platform of quality managers of human and material resources, your forum is expected to contribute to nation building through advocacy for good policy initiatives that will promote a culture of accountability, as well as a consciousness of Nigeria’s core national values.

• What are these Core National Values and have we always been Accountable?

‘From the 2023 Record of Proceedings of your National Conference & Summit, I read where it was said that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) is a good document that can lead our country to the expected eldorado.

“Those of you who have listened to some of my television interviews or read some of my published articles will know that I totally and completely disagree with the statement.

“Rather, like you, 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 that 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.

“This is why I have tried in this opening address to stimulate, and may even be, provoke you to think deeply at this conference, discuss frankly and, hopefully at the end, as an interventionist organization, provide this country with the solutions that we so desperately need to bind our country into a thriving nation that is moving forward.”

In his remarks, the former Governor of Ogun State, Segun Osoba, was optimistic some one in the forum of deputy governor could rise to become president of Nigeria.

He recalled how the current National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Ganduje rose from the position of the Deputy Governor to become Governor of Kano State.

He said, “From being deputy governor, he (Ganduje) became governor, and now he is national chairman of APC

‘So therefore, all of you should know that there is still hope. I say there is still hope because you produced a President before.

‘Why do you think you cannot still produce a president again? Former President Good luck Jonathan was deputy governor to DSP Alamieshiegha. That was how I knew him.

“From there, he became Deputy to President Umaru Yar’Adua, and eventually became the President.

“So you have produced a President before, even before us.

‘We of the class of 1999 are just following in your footsteps by producing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Unfortunately for me, I was also class of 1992. 32 years ago I was Governor. I don’t think any of us can produce governor anymore.”

Chief Osoba stressed further that ‘Now, I was happy and thrilled when I was invited and I saw what you’ve been doing in the past and what you are still doing.

“You are telling us that you are still passionate about this country. My Chairman, I won’t call myself co-chairman now because Obong Attah is the oldest in our class, 99 governors.

It was November, this I called it January, and then I’m the youngest of the old ones. Mine is July. So you have us 85 years old plus.

‘ I’m very happy when I look at your theme, Good governance and food security.

“The first most important thing in the world is that you must be self-sufficient in food.

“United States of America is great today because America produces what it eats and then in essence too.

“You are not meeting to share anything. You are meeting because you want a greater tomorrow, a greater Nigeria for you, for me and for our children.

I commend you. I support you. What you are doing is also a joy to us because you are across party line.

“You are not meeting as party. You are meeting as Nigerians who are passionate about development and the success of this country.

‘And it will be so in our time by the grace of God.
In my time, in our time in 1999, we were AD, Obong Victor Attah PDP.

“But you will never know the difference between any of us.

“When we, the AD, come up with some very terrible thing against about former President Olusegun Obasanjo , when we will have spoken, Obong Attah will be the first to endorse all that we have brought up.

We fought Obasanjo on Local Government. We fought Obasanjo on seizure of Local Government money. We fought him on many fronts.

“But Obong did not say, because he’s PDP, he will not support what he sees as right, good and necessary for this country.

“So therefore, I adopt all that Obong Attah has said today. And I support all that you are doing. And I can assure you, we will continue to support you.

And I’m hoping one day, one or two of you will become president of this country.

“I may not be around, but my prayer will be heard by the grace of God. ”

In his welcome address, the National Chairman, Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria Dr. Chris A. Akomas, said the forum was committed to contributing the wealth of experience and insight available within its fold to drive positive change in the country.

He said, “This year’s theme, “Strategic Solutions for Good Governance, Food Security, and Sustainable Growth in Nigeria”, encapsulate the pressing issues that demand our attention as we navigate the complexities of nation building in our beloved Country.

“We are witnessing a transformative moment in Nigeria’s Governance landscape; we are at the fore-front and The FFDGN remain active participants in contributing the wealth of experience and insight available within our fold to drive positive change in Nation.

“The Forum has brought together a team of seasoned academics and experts to interrogate this theme towards coming up with outcomes which will help our Nation to overcome some of its noted challenges.

“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: governance challenges, food insecurity, and the difficulty of addressing sustainable growth. ”

Dr. Akomas, who was the former Deputy Governor of Abia State added that ‘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, investing to drastically reduce poverty and hunger, eliminate insecurity, and ensure sustainable economic development

“Nation building is a formidable challenge that requires unwavering commitment and innovative thinking.

“The role of Deputy Governors has historically been one of support and stabilization of the governance structures; however, the Deputy Governors posses a unique Vantage point from our experiences in office.

“They understand the intricacies of Governance and the need of our communities. This Conference aims to harness the collective wisdom of our Forum and fellow Nigerians to generate Innovative ground-breaking ideas and pragmatic solutions to the pressing issues of today.

“In our quest for sustainable growth, we recognize the importance of collaboration beyond our borders. Our partnership with Nations across Africa hence the Polish Nigeria Business Council will be pivotal in sharing Knowledge and expertise.

“We believe that the robust alliances will enable us to tackle the challenges of Governance. We must leverage our collective strength to create networks that will empower our communities and cultivate an environment conducive for development.

“Additionally, I am excited to appreciate our effort to support the system to facilitate Innovation and entrepreneurship across Nigeria.”

On the Forum’s relationship with Poland, As we reflect on existing partnership between Nigeria and Poland, I urge us all to enhance our collaboration, particularly in Trade, Investment, Imports and Exports. More importantly we should promote Educational and Cultural exchanges that will deepen our mutual understanding and respect. This initiative will not only benefit Nigeria and Poland, but will also serve as a model for other Nations, showcasing the power of International cooperation for mutual growth. Let us resolve from this Conference, to carry the touch of hope and responsibility, fully aware that our action today will shape the future of our beloved Nigeria.