As a former Deputy Governor, there is the myth about the role of a Deputy Governor and the general notion that based on provisions of the constitution, they are actually “Deputy” governors and not “assistant” governors, thereby relegating their role. What are your comments on the role of Deputy Governor?
Well, it is a myth as you called it because there is no ambiguity. The role of the deputy governor is clearly defined in the constitution, in fact, every aspect of the constitution that deals with the governor, deals with the deputy governor, the way the governor is elected is the way the deputy governor is elected, the way the governor can be impeached, the deputy can also be impeached.
The only aspect that is different is the responsibilities of the governor and his powers and authorities. Those are clearly defined in the constitution, but that of deputy governor just says one word, as assigned by the governor. It then means that the deputy governor is second in command in the administration but subordinate to the governor, and his responsibilities are as assigned by the governor.
From my own perspective, I had a wonderful time as the deputy governor, I had very important and sensitive roles to perform, the governor gave me assignments and he supported me to the best of his abilities, and of course I aligned myself absolutely with the programs and policies of the administration during my tenure, so there wasn’t really much of a problem, but the truth must be told, the nation is littered with issues of governors and deputy governors being at logger’s head, even during my own time at the tail of my administration, I had issues with the governor basically on the issue of succession not as per my role as deputy governor.
I didn’t have any issue whatsoever with the governor, it all depends on the attitude and character of the deputy governor and of course the way he perceives and sees his role.
Some deputy governors might think they are equal with the governor or they may want to be competing with the governor, it’s not the case, that’s why the word deputy comes before governor, to deputise, you are more like the second in command and subordinate to the governor, so I don’t think there is any ambiguity at all.