Undemocratic Norm: Frictions Between Nigerian State Governors and their Deputies
Most times, the aspirations of the deputy governors aspiring to become governors focus is rarely on serving the people, rather it revolves around personal ambition and the allure of wielding the extensive powers that governors possess.
The office of the Deputy Governor is the second most important position at the state level. However, the new normal is the brawls ensuing between Governors and their deputies in Nigeria. This issue can be partly attributed to the fact that the functions of the deputy governors are not fully spelled out in the constitution.
Section 191 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) states that: “The Deputy Governor of a State shall hold the office of Governor of the State if the office of Governor becomes vacant by reason of death, resignation, impeachment, permanent incapacity or removal of the governor from office for any other reason in accordance with Section 188 or 189 of this constitution.” which means that, in most cases, the duties of the deputies are majorly dependent on the governor's wish.
