Editor: The Presidency seems to be losing sleep over the affairs of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF). Not minding call for its complete annihilation, meddling in the affairs of the forum is quite disheartening as it infringes on their constitutional right of association. What exactly is wrong with the NGF anyway, and why all these interests? After all, they are just a couple of guys rubbing minds and comparing notes; so why the obsession with their affairs?
Opponents of the NGF, those currently calling for the amendment of the forum’s constitution, are obviously crying more than the bereaved. As a think-tank, the NGF does not need outsiders to tell it what to do and how to go about conducting their business. The composition of this present forum is mind-boggling – Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), doctors, technocrats and seasoned politicians – so they are intelligent and competent enough to make their own rules and how to live it; we doubt if babysitters are welcomed at the forum.
Fitch, a global rating firm, has given Rivers State an AA+ in fiscal policy, and Transparency Nigeria voted Kano the best in budgetary implementation. Lagos, Edo and Rivers stand out in terms of infrastructure, Ekiti and Osun in education, Ondo, Imo and Akwa Ibom in social welfare. So, instead of crying wolf where there is none and creating an air of animosity, the Presidency should borrow a leaf and learn a thing or two about policy and governance from the governors.
Lloyd Robinson, Port Harcourt,
Rivers State.
