The Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) held its Annual Lecture and International Leadership Symposium, drawing an influential panel of former Nigerian governors. The symposium saw the likes of Peter Obi, Aminu Tambuwal, and Victor Attah voicing their perspectives on the pressing need for devolution of power to state chief executives to effectively counter security challenges. The cogent dialogue also marked the 68th birthday celebration of CVL’s founder, Professor Pat Utomi, and the launch of his new book.
Need for Empowerment to Tackle Security and Corruption
Ex-governor of Anambra and a 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, elucidated the disparities in the degree of authority vested in governors under previous presidential tenures, namely those of Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Yar’Adua, and contrasted it with more recent administrations. He made an emphatic call for the empowerment of governors to grapple with security issues and corruption effectively.
Former Governors on Security Decisions
Aminu Tambuwal, the erstwhile Sokoto governor, expressed his frustration over the lack of consultation with governors on vital security decisions. He illustrated his point with an example from Muhammadu Buhari’s presidency. Tambuwal advanced an argument for a restructuring that would devolve more powers to the state chiefs.
Call for Constitutional Review and State Police
Victor Attah, the former governor of Akwa Ibom, underscored the necessity for governors to be partners, not subordinates, in the federal system. He advocated for a constitutional review and the establishment of state police. In his view, these measures would strengthen the capacity of state governments to combat security challenges.
As the symposium drew to a close, Professor Pat Utomi emphasized the paramount importance of presidents being good listeners and consulting with governors on security matters. The keynote speaker, Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh, underscored Nigeria’s immense potential in the domains of democracy, governance, and national performance.
