By Ben Ogbemudia, Abuja
The former governor of Akwa Ibom Obong Victor Attah on Tuesday identified military Regime installation of 1954 as a major setback that today has a command structure that DEFILED Nigeria’s federalism.
He stated this in his opening remarks at the National Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja
Obong Attach said the defilement was carried over into the 1999 constitution and that, by destroying the foundation of federalism on which the country was built, saying, ” 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.
“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:
“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.
“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.”
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