The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum members left their first session in Abuja on Tuesday with a plea for the federal government to act quickly to stop the killings, kidnappings, and attacks happening all over the nation.
The governors urged the federal government and security services to step up in response to the killings in the states of Zamfara and Plateau in particular.
The governors also advised the federal government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be neutral in the upcoming governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states. The communiqué was read by the Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the forum, Bala Muhammed, after more than three hours of deliberations at the Akwa Ibom Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro.
The forum promised that it will work with the federal government and offer constructive criticism in order to raise Nigerians’ standard of living.
The governors highlighted that the goal of the forum was to provide a venue for peer evaluation of issues, policies, programs, and accomplishments of member governors. They stated that they had resolved to collaborate.
The communique reads in part: “The meeting advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the security agencies, and the federal government to be neutral in the conduct of the off-season elections in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo states.
“The meeting noted the deteriorating security situation in the country, especially the wanton destruction of lives and property in Plateau and Zamfara states, among others. The meeting consequently advised the federal government and security agencies to rise to the situation and bring the situation under control.
“In the interim, the forum will cooperate with the federal government on issues concerning the welfare of Nigerians and good governance while striving to maintain the independence and autonomy of the forum through offering constructive criticism where necessary.”
Those that attended the meeting are Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Bassey Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Kefas Agbu (Taraba) and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara).
The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who is the vice chairman of the forum, was absent.