Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has advised outgoing governors to avoid unnecessary influence on their successors after leaving office on May 29.

The former governor of Kwara gave the advice at a farewell dinner for outgoing governors organised by the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) on Sunday in Abuja.

Mr Saraki, a former forum chairman, also advised governors-elect not to allow people around them to push them into frosty relationships with their predecessors.

“Outgoing governors, please, from June 1, you are no longer governors; please allow your successors to do the work they have to do.

“Let them call you when they want your advice. For those that are coming, those around you will always want you to have a ‘head-on’ with your predecessors.

“It is a big mistake. It is unnecessary. Challenges ahead are beyond that,’’ he admonished.

While congratulating outgoing governors for completing their tenures, Mr Saraki also advised them to continue playing their nation-building roles.

“As you bow out as governors, you are going into a phase that is different and challenging. Brace up for challenges ahead. Spend more time with your families,” Mr Saraki advised.

The former Senate president also advised incoming governors to start planning for their legacies from their first day in office.

“Plan for those four or eight years and keep on challenging yourselves every day to make an impact,’’ Mr Saraki said.

In his remarks, former Gombe State governor,  Ibrahim Dankwambo, also urged outgoing governors to avoid meddling in the affairs of their successors.

Mr Dankambo urged incoming governors to prepare for retirement as soon as they took office.

“Prepare for visits from the EFCC, ICPC and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, which may ask some questions that need answers,’’ he cautioned.

In her submissions, deputy secretary-general of the UN, Amina Mohammed, said states must be made to work for their people.

Former governor of Niger, Babangida Aliyu, advised the governors-elect to prioritise programmes and projects that impacted the people.

(NAN)