In a concerning trend, several residents and stakeholders in the northern regions of Nigeria are raising their voices against the absence of elected governors from their states. These governors, instead of residing in their respective states, have been governing from the nation’s capital, Abuja, and other parts of the world. The issue has become a cause for alarm and is drawing criticism from the public.
The governors under scrutiny include Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, who is also the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, and AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, who serves as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. They have been identified as some of the most prominent culprits in this category of absentee governors. Additionally, the governors of Kogi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states are also among those criticized for their prolonged absence from their respective states.
This trend has raised concerns among citizens and residents, who argue that it goes against the principles of good governance. Critics emphasize that state governors should be more present in their states to address critical issues, particularly given the prevailing insecurity concerns in the country.
According to Nafiu Bala, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in Gombe State, the continued absence of state governors negatively affects good governance. He pointed out that governors, as the Chief Security Officers of their states, have a duty to ensure the security and well-being of their citizens and should not stay outside their states for extended periods.
Furthermore, the absence of governors has raised questions about the delegation of power to their deputy governors, as legally required. Many critics argue that the failure to hand over to deputies for acting governance is a significant concern.
In Kwara State, opposition parties have called on Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq to spend more time in the state capital, Ilorin, to ensure that residents benefit from the dividends of democracy. They claim that his frequent absence from the state has hindered the proper administration of the state.
Residents of Sokoto State are also urging their governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, to spend more time in the state rather than traveling extensively. They recall the previous governor’s excessive travels and hope for a change in the current administration.
In Zamfara State, Governor Dr. Dauda Lawal has faced criticism for not being in the state regularly since taking office. His frequent absence has raised concerns, particularly regarding the state’s security situation.
Despite these criticisms, some officials defend the governors, stating that their absence is often due to the pursuit of development and resources for their states. They argue that these governors are working to secure financial support and assistance to address pressing issues in their respective states.
The issue of absentee governors has become a significant topic of discussion and concern in northern Nigeria, with citizens and stakeholders calling for a balance between their national and state-level responsibilities.