Gov. Rotimi Amaechi, has been re-elected as chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum(NGF).He defeated Gov. Jonah Jang of Plateau State, who polled 16 votes,while Gov. Amaechi polled 19 votes of the total 35 votes that was cast. Gov. Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo of Gombe State was absent from the meeting.
Reacting to his re-lection, Gov. Rotimi Amaechi, in a statement, said, “Today our democracy was tested and proven. Democracy is about participation. The aim of democratic governance is for everyone to partake in winning. Today the governors have spoken with one voice reaffirming our faith in democratic governance as the hope of Nigeria’s future. I must thank my colleagues for their tenacity and determination to ensure the unity of the forum but more importantly of our nation. “
“We remain committed to supporting our leader, the president and commander in chief of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to realize the development dream of all Nigerians by reducing tension, uncertainty and insecurity in our beloved country.”
“We want to pledge our steadfastness and resolve working alongside Mr. President to better the lives of our people as we render transparent and accountable stewardship.”
“Finally our thanks go to all those who have patiently endured these times especially our constituents and members of the fourth estate of the realm who have followed these elections with keen interest. We promise that we will not betray the confidence you have reposed in us.”
Ahead of the election of a new Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), members of the Northern States Governors’ Forum emerged from its meeting on Friday to announce its adoption of Governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang as its candidate for the chairmanship of the larger NGF election scheduled for tonight.
The Northern States Governors’ Forum comprises the North-Central (Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau States), North-Eastern (Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe States) and North-Western (Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States).
Huhuonline.com learnt that both Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State and Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State were prevailed on to withdraw their candidature, following their refusal to step down from the NGF chairmanship race.
Subsequently,, the northern governors adopted Governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang as their compromise candidate. Jang however rejected the adoption, citing his advanced age.
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