The Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has stated that the
Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) under his watch will address all issues
that come its way “as amicably as possible in the overall interest” of
the country.
Fayemi, who spoke moments after he was unanimously elected as the
Chairman of the NGF on Wednesday night, said he is ready to build on the
commitment of his predecessors by ensuring that States have a strong
partnership with the Federal Government as federating units.
He explained that his election as chairman and Sokoto State Governor,
Aminu Tambuwal, as Deputy Chairman showed that the Forum represents
Nigeria regardless of political persuasions.
The new chairman pledged that States would be strengthened to make
them become more dedicated to the citizens, adding that this will also
become beneficial to the country at large.
“My colleague, Aminu Tambuwal and I are delighted at the choice made
by our colleagues this evening by consensus, the confidence reposed in
us and in accepting this onerous responsibility that has been handed
over to us, we promise our colleagues that we will step into the big
shoes that Governor Yari will be leaving behind and build on the success
story of this forum right from Governor Abdulahi Adamu through Governor
Victor Attah, Lucky Igbinedion, Bukola Saraki and Governor Rotimi
Amaechi before Governor Yari who so selflessly served this forum in the
last four years.
“We will build on this commitment with strong partnership with the
Federal Government as federating unit and thrash out issues as amicably
as possible in the overall interest of our country.
“This is something that all parties of different persuasions have
done and as you can see, the leadership comprises myself from the
majority party, the ruling party and Governor Aminu Tambuwal from the
Peoples Democratic Party. What is most important is that this is
unanimously chosen and we represent Nigeria regardless of our political
persuasion.
“What we are going to do will be in the overall interest of our
country in ensuring that our states are continuously strengthened; our
country derives the benefit of strong dedicated states to our citizens
and our partnership with all arms of government – federal government,
the legislature and the development partners working with us in the
overall interest of Nigerians,” the governor said.
Speaking further, Governor Fayemi hailed Nigerians for the 20 years
of unbroken democratic rule in the country, saying that it is an
affirmation that Nigerians love democracy and are determined to make it
work.
According to the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and
signed by the outgoing Chairman of the Forum, Governor Abdul’aziz Yari,
the Governors, aside electing new leaders, resolved to hold a meeting
with President Muhammadu Buhari to find a lasting solution to security
challenges facing the country, among other issues.
