In a clear case of ‘if I can`t have you, no one can,’ pro-Jonathan governors who were humiliated yesterday by Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, resumed their shenanigans on Saturday, purportedly convening their inaugural meeting as NGF with 18 governors in attendance.
A press statement issued at the end of the meeting said those who attended the meeting were the Governors of Plateau, Kogi, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Bauchi, Abia and Ondo. Others were the Governors of Katsina, Kaduna, Delta, Anambra, Taraba, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa Gombe and Kwara States.
However, the governor of Kwara State who is listed as one of the attendees had publicly denounced the resolution being touted by Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio.
According to the statement, the newly elected Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Chief Jonah D. Jang has thanked Nigerian governors for the confidence reposed in him to serve them as Chairman of NGF and pledged to work for the overall interest of the forum and country.
Governor Jang made these remarks while addressing the media after the inaugural meeting, which he presided over as Chairman.
In a communique signed by Governor Jang and his Deputy, Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, they vowed to unite members of the NGF and as well work for the unity of the country.
According to the communique, the forum restated its commitment to continue being a platform for peer review, and productive and collaborative engagement with all levels of government.
“The forum also resolved to continue to encourage and collaborate with Mr. President to restore peace and security in the country and to secure a befitting permanent secretariat outside any Governor’s Lodge; and thanked all Nigerians for their support while promising not to let them down.”
Addressing the media, Deputy Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Dr. Gabriel Suswam said in an earlier meeting presided over by Dr Babangida Aliyu that they had unanimously adopted Governor Jang as the consensus chairman and they stood by the decision.
In the same vein, Chairman of the South-East Governors Forum, Mr Peter Obi and Chairman of the South-South Governors Forum and Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke also announced the decision of the governors in their zone to support the leadership of Chief Jang.
Fielding questions from newsmen, the deputy chairman described as fraudulent, the process that purportedly produced Governor Rotimi Amaechi and said even in a village council election, an outgoing Chairman cannot preside over his own election.
He said it was in acceptance of the leadership of Chief Jang that 18 governors turned up for the inaugural meeting despite the less-than-12-hour notice; and expressed optimism that the next meeting would bring more governors to the fold.
