Thirteen governors and three deputy governors
yesterday attended the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF)
meeting called by Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers
State.
The governors are:- Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Rabiu
Kwankwaso (Kano), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara),
Abdulafatah Ahmed (Kwara), Babangida Aliyu (Niger),
Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers),
Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun),
Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Murtala
Nyako (Adamawa), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti)
While the governors of Edo, Borno and Nasarawa States
were represented by their deputies – Pius Odubu, Zanna
Umar Mustapha and Dameshi Barau Luka respectively.
At the end of the meeting which held at the Rivers
State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, the governors
urged the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister
of the economy Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to manage the
economy well or resign.
The Forum said her non-compliance with the revenue
projection of the 2013 budget was a direct breach of the
Appropriation Act.
The governors also pointed out that the National
Economic Council (NEC) is the right body to manage the
economy and not the Economic Management Team (EMT).
In a communiqué read by Gov. Amaechi, the governors
said: “The non compliance with the revenue projections
of the Federal Government of Nigeria 2013 Budget is a
direct breach of the provisions of the Appropriation Act
2013. Members expressed concern in the management of
the economy by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating
Minister of the Economy and called for a strict
adherence to the Appropriation Act 2013, failing which
she should resign.
“Forum observed that National Economic Council (NEC) is
constitutionally responsible for the management of the
economy and should be used for that purpose as opposed
to the Economic Management Team (EMT) constituted by
the Presidency.
“We reiterate our earlier call to the National Assembly
for the separation of the office of the Accountant
General of the Federation from that of the Accountant
General of the Federal Government for accountability
and better management of the economy.”
He added: “After review of the Polio situation in the
country, members recognised that some progress has
been made in 2013 compared to 2012. Forum enjoined all
governors to remain focussed and continue to drive the
programme in their respective states until polio is
completely eradicated.”
“Members expressed condolence to Dame Patience
Jonathan for the loss of her mother, Governor Fashola
for the loss of his father and the family of the late Dr.
Olusegun Agagu, former Governor of Ondo State.”
The communiqué concluded by announcing the resolve of
the Forum to organize a Nigeria Governors’ Forum
retreat in November, 2013, but did not state the exact
date and venue.
Yesterday’s meeting also revealed that the crisis in the
NGF was far from over as none of the governors loyal to
the Jonah Jang faction were in attendance even though
we gathered they were invited.
Information Nigeria reports that this will be the first
meeting of the Amaechi-led NGF since his disputed
election in May.
The first meeting was called off just when the governors
had convened, so as to attend an emergency meeting
with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential
Villa, Abuja.
This is dummy text. It is not meant to be read. Accordingly, it is difficult to figure out when to end it. But then, this is dummy text. It is not meant to be read. Period.
ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon