Former Deputy Governors Seek National Reorientation, Stronger Leadership-Citizen Partnership

The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria has called for urgent national reorientation and stronger collaboration between leaders and citizens to address the country’s growing socio-political challenges and promote sustainable national development.

The call followed a closed-door meeting with former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in Abuja, where members of the forum briefed him on preparations for their fifth annual conference scheduled for October.

Speaking after the meeting, the Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Chris Akomas, said leadership is not limited to elected or appointed public office holders, stressing that every Nigerian has a role to play in nation-building.

He noted that leadership begins in the home, extends to communities, and cuts across every level of society, urging citizens to work together to bridge leadership gaps and contribute meaningfully to national progress.

Dr. Akomas disclosed that recommendations from previous editions of the forum’s annual conference have influenced government policies. He cited the Federal Government’s recent distribution of hybrid cocoa seedlings as one of the forum’s recommendations that has now been implemented.

On the country’s security challenges and political tensions, the forum urged Nigerians to remain united and embrace peaceful coexistence, irrespective of ethnic, religious or political differences.

According to Dr. Akomas, citizens must continue to support one another, stressing that unity, mutual trust and collective responsibility are essential to building a stronger and more prosperous nation.

The forum also commended former President Jonathan for his continued support as its Grand Patron and expressed confidence that the October conference would produce practical recommendations to strengthen nation-building and advance sustainable development.

This year’s conference is themed: “Rethinking Nation Building: Bridging the Leadership-Citizen Disconnect Through Culture, Orientation, Character and Tradition for Sustainable Development.”

Dr. Akomas said the conference would bring together stakeholders from across various sectors to examine the widening gap between leaders and citizens and develop practical solutions to improve governance, rebuild public trust, and foster sustainable national development.

By Sophina Ovuike, Abuja 

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