A growing chorus of opposition parties and northern residents has voiced their dismay over the extended absence of elected governors in the northern region. These leaders, who were elected to serve their respective states, have chosen to govern remotely from Abuja and various other global destinations, as reported by Arewa PUNCH.
Among the governors facing criticism for their absence, Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, who also chairs the Northern Governors’ Forum, and AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, who serves as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, have come under particular scrutiny. Residents have also noted that the governors of Kogi, Sokoto, and Zamfara have demonstrated similar patterns of absenteeism.
This trend has raised concerns among citizens and residents who argue that it contradicts the principles of good governance. Nafiu Bala, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in Gombe State during the 2023 elections, decried the negative impact of governors governing from afar, emphasizing that it goes against the constitutional requirement that governors, as Chief Security Officers, should not be away from their states for more than two weeks.
Bala also highlighted the issue of security, emphasizing that governors should be more present in their states, particularly given the ongoing insecurity challenges in the country. He further criticized the failure of the absentee governors to delegate their powers to their deputies as required by law for the continued governance of their states.
In addition to concerns over governance, some social critics, like Cliff Stanley, have pointed out the adverse effects of this absenteeism. Stanley argued that Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s frequent absence, attributed to his role as the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, has hindered the delivery of good governance and led to public dissatisfaction.
Despite these concerns, there has been no official response from the affected governors’ offices, as multiple attempts to reach out for comment went unanswered.
In Kwara State, opposition parties have also criticized Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq for his extended absences from the state since taking on the role of Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. They called for the governor to spend more time in the state and ensure residents experience the benefits of democracy.
The People’s Democratic Party Chairman in Kwara State, Alhaji Babatunde Mohammed, pointed out the governor’s frequent absence as a contributing factor to the misuse of security vehicles meant for local security.
Opposition parties in other states like Sokoto and Zamfara have echoed similar concerns, emphasizing the need for their respective governors to be more present and attentive to the state’s affairs.
The State Commissioner for Communications in Kwara, Mrs. Bolanle Olukoju, defended Governor AbdulRazaq’s dual role, asserting that it hasn’t negatively impacted his performance as the state’s governor. She emphasized that the governor continues to fulfill his duties and is present in the state.
Residents of Sokoto have also urged their governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, to spend more time at home rather than traveling extensively. They recounted the absentee tendencies of previous governors and called for a change in the current governor’s approach.
In Zamfara State, the state governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal, has faced criticism for his frequent trips outside the state. The ongoing security challenges in the state have amplified the concerns about his absence.
On the other hand, in Kogi State, Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello has shifted his approach by being more present in Lokoja and participating in state functions. This change is seen as a response to his recent loss in the APC presidential ticket race, which led to President Bola Tinubu’s emergence as the party’s candidate.
