By Chidi Ugwu
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has addressed public and media inquiries about its perceived silence on recent political developments in the country.
In a statement signed by its Director-General, Abdulateef Shittu, the NGF emphasized its role as a non-partisan platform for collaboration among state governors, irrespective of their political affiliations.
The Forum clarified that it avoids taking positions on contentious partisan issues to preserve unity among its members, who represent diverse political interests.
This stance is rooted in the lessons learned from past divisions within the Forum caused by political differences.
While refraining from partisan politics, the NGF reaffirmed its commitment to addressing critical governance and policy matters, including wages, taxes, education, and healthcare.
The Forum called for public understanding of its approach and expressed confidence in existing mechanisms to address political crises.
This clarification highlights the NGF’s focus on fostering cooperation for sustainable development while steering clear of divisive political controversies
The statement reads in part: “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has received media enquiries requesting it to comment on some recent political developments in the country.
“The Forum wishes to clarify that it is an umbrella body for subnational governments to promote unified policy positions and collaborate with relevant stakeholders in pursuit of sustainable socioeconomic 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.
“We call for the understanding of the public and the media, confident that appropriate platforms and crisis management mechanisms would take care of any such issues”.
