By Jubril Bada

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Former Deputy Governor in Ondo State, Ambassador Omolade Oluwateru, has opened the lid on why there are rivalries between some deputy governors, and other senior aides against their principal, the Governor.

He described such instances as over ambition while attributing one of the reasons most deputy governors are impeached, to rivalry and over-ambition to succeed their bosses.

He explained that the deputy governors should be aware that they hold their position largely due to the governor’s choice and should act accordingly.

In an extensive interview with The Hope, the former Nigerian Ambassador to Uganda highlighted that a deputy governor expecting an equal share of power is likely to be disappointed, as most governors do not view their deputies as equal partners but rather as subordinates.

Oluwateru, who is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the PDP in the state, said it would be wise for a deputy governor to remain patient and humbled, adding that expressing appreciation and not rushing for a larger share of power can foster a better working relationship between the deputy and his principal.

According to him, there would definitely be disagreements, but arguments and disagreements should be handled privately and respectfully to avoid public conflicts, as governors generally do not appreciate being argued with.

He stated, “the role of a deputy governor is often misunderstood. They are chosen by the governor as a running mate and should recognize that they serve at the governor’s discretion. If a deputy governor expects an equal share of power, it is a mistake. The governor does not typically view them as partners but as support in running the government.

“Deputy governors should be patient and composed. If the governor takes 70 percent and leaves 30 percent for the deputy, he should be grateful. Often, the power of office can be intoxicating, but it’s essential to maintain humility. I was fortunate to work with late Governor Olusegun Agagu as his deputy. He didn’t marginalize or sideline me.

“We discussed issues privately and respectfully. Not that we didn’t have disagreements, but you couldn’t see me argue with him in public. I preferred to see him in the evening with reasons and how things should be done in a particular way, which he would reason with me.

“Dr. Olusegun Agagu, who also served as a Deputy Governor under Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua, experienced significant marginalization. He had fewer responsibilities and less power than the Secretary to the State Governor. However, as a governor, Agagu empowered me with numerous duties, which fostered a strong working relationship between us.

“Then, I advised my colleagues that there is no vacancy for the governor’s position during the first term. One colleague thought I was mistaken and said I must be crazy, believing our governor would only serve one term. But I predicted he would run for a second term, which he did. This colleague was later impeached before two years in office (in Ekiti State).

“Agagu initially campaigned for only one term, but circumstances led him to run for a second term. Some colleagues formed campaign committees for the 2007 governorship election. I said I would not be left out, I formed a committee called the Committee for Good Governance with a lot of chairmen and commissioners supporting me.

” As a result of this, Agagu assembled us at a meeting. Tayo Alasoadura, Prof.Olu Agbi, and Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, who was our SSG, all had interests. Agagu now said he had to come in and if he didn’t, there would be a tendency for problems in the PDP.

“Based on that, Agagu decided to run. And I responded that I had decided to run but had changed my decision and would not run again. Alasoadura also said he would not run, and we disbanded our committees.

“Honestly, when he asked Dr Mimiko, he said, ‘Oga, I would not be able to say anything yet. I will see you later.’ He didn’t commit himself”.

We were not surprised when he became a minister and contested against Agagu,” he added.

 He urged the electorate to refrain from selling their votes and to vote for the candidate of their choice during the election.”

Reacting to the issue raised by the appointment of some members of the party who formed a campaign committee for the PDP governorship candidate in the upcoming governorship election, Amb. Oluwateru described the development as a minor disagreement, which had been resolved.

He assured that the PDP members in the state were working assiduously to win the election for obvious reasons, urging the electorate to refrain from selling their votes but vote for a better candidate for the betterment of all.

The former Ambassador, who spoke at length on the economy, explained that when the PDP was in power, the economy of the country was at its peak as prices of goods and services were at an affordable rates. He stressed that bad policies and governance have worsened the situation in the country.

He added that for the country to have sufficient petroleum, the federal government should repair all the refineries in the country rather than import fuel.

The former deputy governor also said that if food security is to be enhanced, the federal government should tackle insecurity in the land.