The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) appears to have abandoned Governor Siminalaiyi Fubara over the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State, saying that taking a position on the issue will amount to turning the forum into a partisan organization.
The forum in a statement issued on Saturday, by its Director General, Abdulateef Shittu, emphasized its role as a platform for promoting unified policies, and collaborating for sustainable socio-economic growth.
The forum further said that taking positions on divisive partisan issues, regardless of how it’s phrased, reflects a poor understanding of history.
It urged the public and media to understand its position, expressing confidence that the right platforms and crisis management measures would address any such issues.
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“The forum wishes to clarify that it is an umbrella body for sub-national governments to promote unified policy positions, and collaborate with relevant stakeholders in pursuit of sustainable socio-economic 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.
“In whatever language it is written, taking positions on contentious partisan issues would mean a poor sense of history —just a few years after the forum survived a fundamental division following political differences among its members.
“Regardless, the forum is reputed for its bold positions on governance and general policy matters of profound consequences, such as wages, taxes, education, and universal healthcare, among others,” the statement explained.