 upheld its neutral stance on current political developments and explained why it chose to stay out){kind=link}
Nigeria Governor’s Forum Clarifies Silence on Political Matters
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) upheld its neutral stance on current political developments and explained why it chose to stay out of the fray.
In a statement released on Saturday, headed “NGF Clarifies Silence on Political Matters,” the forum clarified that its members come from many political backgrounds, and that taking a stand on partisan issues may potentially drive a wedge between them.
This comes just four days after President Bola Tinubu suspended a member of NGF Governor Siminalayi Fubara and proclaimed a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The statement issued by the NGF’s Director General, Dr. Abdulateef Shittu, indicated that the conference is centered around governance and policy issues rather than party disputes, the NGF did not specifically mention the Rivers situation.
Shittu made it clear that the Nigeria Governance Forum (NGF) was an umbrella group for subnational governments, with the purpose of promoting uniform policy stances and working together with relevant stakeholders in order to enhance the well-being of the people and achieve sustained socio-economic growth.
The statement reads, “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has received media inquiries requesting it to comment on some recent political developments in the country.
“The Forum wishes to clarify that it is an umbrella body for subnational governments, aimed at promoting unified policy positions and collaborating with relevant stakeholders in pursuit of sustainable socioeconomic growth and the well-being of the people.
“As a technical and policy hub comprising governors elected on different platforms, the body elects to steer clear of taking positions that may alienate members with varying political interests.
“Regardless, the Forum is known for its bold positions on governance and general policy matters of profound consequence, such as wages, taxes, education, and universal healthcare, among others.
“We call for the understanding of the public and the media, confident that appropriate platforms and crisis management mechanisms would take care of any such issue.”