The Chairman of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN), Dr. Chris Akomas, says the forum’s fifth national conference will focus on rebuilding trust between leaders and citizens as part of efforts to promote national unity, good governance and sustainable development.

Akomas stated this when members of the forum paid a courtesy visit to the forum’s National Patron and former Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, ahead of the conference scheduled for October 20 and 21.in Abuja.

He said the conference, with the theme, “Rethinking Nation Building: Bridging the Leadership-Citizen Disconnect,” would provide practical recommendations for addressing governance challenges and strengthening democratic institutions.

According to him, the Board of Trustees resolved to visit the forum’s patrons to appreciate their consistent support, formally notify them of the conference and seek their participation.

Dr. Akomas said the delegation also presented Ganduje with the proceedings of the forum’s fourth national conference and its 2026/2027 desk calendar.

He described Ganduje as a committed supporter of the forum, noting that he had consistently attended its annual conferences or delegated representatives whenever official engagements prevented his attendance.

The forum chairman disclosed that members had earlier visited the forum’s Grand Patron, former President Goodluck Jonathan, who commended the steady growth of the organisation and expressed willingness to attend this year’s conference.

He reiterated that the forum remained a non-partisan body committed to promoting national unity, democratic governance and sound public policy by leveraging the wealth of experience of former deputy governors.

Akomas also invited Ganduje to visit the forum’s national secretariat in recognition of his continued support for the organisation.

Responding, the Former Governor of Kano state, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje urged the forum to play a more active role in reconciling serving governors and their deputies whenever disagreements arise, saying such interventions would strengthen democratic governance and political stability.

He said former deputy governors possess the experience and credibility to mediate in political disputes and offer objective advice to serving public office holders.

The former Kano State governor also called on the forum to examine the recurring conflicts between outgoing governors and their successors, describing the trend as a growing challenge to Nigeria’s democracy.

Ganduje accepted the invitation to attend the forum’s fifth national conference and commended the organisation for sustaining its advocacy on good governance, noting that the impact of its programmes reflected its seriousness and relevance to national development.

The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria is a non-partisan body comprising former deputy governors from the country’s 36 states and it provides a platform for members to share governance experiences and make policy recommendations aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democratic and socio-economic development.

The attention of the media team of member representing Ikwuano Umuahia Federal Constituency Hon Obi Aguocha to a defamatory publication with the above title by one Tony Icheku operating on a free blog site wherein he made several accusations against the person of the law maker.

Ordinarily our principal in his usual calm nature would have ignored the post, firstly because it was posted on a free blogspot with zero followership, secondly because it was posted by his constituent from a clan he loves do much, the Ikwuano clan.

But for the purposes of clarity and because the enemies of Ndi Ikwuano Umuahia, those who had the opportunity to positively rewrite the history of Ikwuano Umuahia but choose greed and selfishness, are already sharing it and trying to use it to launder their battered image, there is therefore need to set the records straight!

Firstly, the Senate is a revered and organized institution where information can easily be sourced and verified, so one wonders how a sound and right thinking person will believe that Hon. Aguocha, a member of the House of Representatives will lay claim to a non existent legislative process.

Because we know a failed journalist line Tony Icheku cannot do his diligence we decided to attach here with, the Senate proceedings wherein the said Bill HB1605 was passed.

The Federal Medical Centers Act(Amendment) Bill HB 1605(Fed. Medical Center Ikwuano) has been passed by the Senate and awaiting Presidential accent. There is no amount of propaganda that can change that.

We know that the Orji family are really disappointed with this news. They had wished this day did not come, but they are not God, who has chosen to liberate Ndi Ikwuano from their devilish grip.

To them it is not achievable, little wonder for 8 years in the Senate, the docile T. A Orji had no single bill to his name.

This singular act is to prove to Ndi Ikwuano Umuahia that Chinedum Orji even after being Speaker, still lacks understanding of legislative processes and incompetent to represent Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency.

The Aguocha media team is happy that Icheku is conversant with the relevant sections of the Cybercrimes act as amended and the consequences of flouting any section therein.

Tony Icheku should know that though Hon Aguocha is at home with Ndi Ikwuano, he will not tolerate any act of defamation, no matter where it is coming from. Every blogger should bear their responsibility for whatever they put out there.

Date: Tuesday, 21 July 2026

On the floor of the House of Representatives today, Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha, Member representing Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South Federal Constituency, formally expressed his appreciation to the leadership and members of the National Assembly following the successful passage of HB 1605, the Bill establishing the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ikwuano, Abia State.

In his remarks, he thanked the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senators, and Members of the House for their support throughout the legislative process that culminated in the Senate’s concurrence on 16 July 2026.

Rt. Hon. Aguocha reflected on the legislative journey of the Bill, noting that it was first introduced on the floor of the House on 17 July 2024 and progressed through the required legislative stages before receiving the concurrence of the Senate.

He described the passage of the Bill as an example of the National Assembly’s legislative role in promoting measures intended to improve access to public services and national development.

Hon Obi Aguocha also noted that, having completed the legislative process in the National Assembly, the Bill will proceed to the next constitutional stage for Mr. Presidents Assent.

HB 1605, when signed into law, would establish the Federal Medical Centre in Ikwuano. The institution is intended to expand access to healthcare services while creating opportunities for employment, medical training, and economic activity in Ikwuano-Umuahia and Abia State.

Rt. Hon. Aguocha concluded by expressing appreciation to his constituents for their continued engagement and support throughout the legislative process and reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing further legislative initiatives aimed at promoting institutional and human capital development within Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South Federal Constituency.

Signed

Media Office

Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha

Member, House of Representatives

Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency