Several Nigerian governors have come under criticism from opposition parties and residents for allegedly governing their states from afar, spending extensive periods of time away without properly delegating duties.
According to an investigative report by The PUNCH, the most frequent absentees include the governors of Kwara, Gombe, Sokoto, Zamfara and other states. Sources say these governors frequently operate from Abuja or abroad, failing to empower deputies to take charge in their absence.
In Kwara, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of the APC has drawn the ire of the PDP for his repeated absence since assuming chairmanship of the Nigerian Governors Forum this year. “He hardly comes to the state now to monitor projects or interact with the people,” said PDP chairman Babatunde Mohammed.
Similarly, Gombe State Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya of APC has supposedly never designated his deputy as acting governor despite commitments for the Northern Governors Forum.
Residents of Sokoto have urged Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto of APC to spend more time locally, hoping to avoid a repeat of the previous governor’s alleged absenteeism.
Meanwhile in Zamfara, PDP Governor Dauda Lawal has allegedly spent less than a week total in the state since he was sworn in last May. Given Zamfara’s security challenges, residents expected more in-person leadership from the governor.
By contrast, Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of APC has become more visible in the capital Lokoja after losing the APC presidential ticket. He is now focused on supporting his party’s next gubernatorial candidate.
Constitutionally, state governors have a duty to be physically present and oversee security as Chief Security Officers. Critics contend that extensive absenteeism betrays this obligation and undermines governance and accountability. Calls are growing for governors to be more locally engaged in serving their people rather than administering from afar.
Credit: The Nigeria Lawyer