Prominent Legal Expert Onueze Okocha Weighs in on Deputy Governors’ Role, Describes Them as ‘Spare Tyres’ in Government Structure
In a comprehensive analysis, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Onueze Okocha shared his perspective on the position of deputy governors within the Nigerian political framework. Okocha underscored the often limited role of deputy governors, likening them to “spare tyres” in the governmental system due to their lack of specific constitutional duties.
He delved into the ongoing crisis between Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, highlighting that deputy governors primarily exercise functions delegated to them by the governor. This commentary sheds light on the intricate dynamics and expectations surrounding the role of deputy governors in the Nigerian political landscape.”
“The truth of the matter and this is legal position is that a deputy governor has no specifically assigned functions under the constitution.“It is only the governor of a state that can assign responsibilities to his deputy or to any of the commissioners in the state executive council.
“So a deputy governor does not really have any responsibility until the governor assigns a responsibility to him. So clearly no deputy governor can claim to have executive authority over any matter in the state until it has been assigned to him by the governor.“
A governor usually has prerogative to pick who should be his running mate and it is expected that the running mate, if they eventually win, will exhibit total loyalty and support to his governor.
The constitution says clearly that you can exercise only those functions and perform those duties that have been assigned to you by the governor. So this is the point I need to be make to all those who are deputy governors, who are vice presidents. Until the president assigns the function to you, until the governor assigns the function to you, you just stay there and wait until a circumstance may arise.
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