Obasanjo’s Call for Synergy: Ibrahim Shekarau Reflects on Communication Gaps Between Governors and the Presidency

Interview with Channels Television, former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau shed light on the importance of improved communication and cooperation between the federal and state governments, drawing from his experiences during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.

Shekarau recalled that despite the constitutional autonomy granted to state governments, President Obasanjo often emphasized the need for synergy and mutual understanding. During Shekarau’s tenure as governor, Obasanjo expressed his frustration over the lack of communication from some governors, particularly when they traveled abroad. “There were instances where President Obasanjo would be left unaware of a governor’s whereabouts,” Shekarau explained. “Most governors wouldn’t even inform him when they traveled out, leading to awkward situations where the President learned of a governor’s international travel from third parties.”

Shekarau shared a specific instance where Obasanjo addressed the governors, saying, “While the Constitution spells out that you are independent of the federal government, there should be some synergy; there should be some understanding.” This statement underscored Obasanjo’s belief that effective governance requires cooperation between the federal and state levels, even within the bounds of constitutional autonomy.

Shekarau’s reflection highlights a critical aspect of governance in Nigeria—maintaining open lines of communication between state and federal governments. According to Shekarau, Obasanjo felt “embarrassed” when he discovered a governor’s travel plans through second-hand information, such as a casual encounter in a foreign country. This lack of direct communication was a concern for Obasanjo, who believed that, despite the independence of state governments, there should be a level of transparency and coordination with the federal government.

As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of federalism, Shekarau’s insights serve as a reminder of the importance of synergy and communication between different levels of government to ensure smooth and effective governance.