By Rabiu Doma,Nasarawa
After an exhaustive deliberation of the Progressive Governors Forum
(PGF) meeting attended by H.E. Umaru Tanko Al-makura (Governor,
Nasarawa State), H.E. Kashim Shettima (Governor, Borno State), H.E.
Kayode Fayemi (Governor, Ekiti State), H.E. Rafiu Aregbesola
(Governor, State of Osun), H.E. Babatunde Raji Fashola (Governor,
Lagos State), H.E. Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi (Governor, Oyo State) H.E.
Abdulazeez Yari (Governor, Zamfara State), H.E. Ibikunle A. Amosun
(Governor, Ogun State), H.E. Comrade Adams Oshiomhole (Governor, Edo
Sate) and H.E. Owelle Rochas Okorocha (Governor, Imo State represented
by the Deputy Governor, H.E. Prince Eze Madumere) and with apology
from H.E. Ibrahim Geidam (Governor, Yobe State) in which a number of
national issues on the on-going dialogue to salvage the nation and
proffer practical solutions on moving Nigeria forward as well as
strategies to compliment efforts of the interim national executives to
strengthen the party, It was resolved as follows:
1. The Forum commends the Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) for rising to the occasion in registering the All Progressives
Congress in the overall national interest. The Forum hopes that such
nationalistic and patriotic position of INEC shall continue to guide
its conduct with respect to its statutory mandate.
2. The Forum congratulates and expresses confidence on the interim
National Executive of the APC in its on-going efforts to reposition
the party as a credible alternative to the teaming Nigerians that are
yearning for change.
3. The Forum commits itself to the process of APC party formation and
consolidation in line with the on-going efforts of the interim
national leadership and with the understanding of the Progressive
Governors Forum (PGF) as it affects the development of healthy
relationship among the members of the APC.
4. The PGF discussed constitutional amendment extensively and resolved
that the issue of Local Government Administration, recognizing the
fact that Federalism is the basis of our sovereignty, is a matter
within the purview of the Federating Unit and every attempt to
legislate by the National Assembly on any aspect of Local Government
Administration will tilt the country towards a unitary state. This
will undermine and weaken the fundamental principles of our
federalism.
5. The Forum deliberated on revenue allocation and notes that in spite
of recommendations made to the Presidency, no effect has been given to
the extant proposals on the need to give more funds to the states and
local governments because that is where the citizens reside. The PGF
further recommends that the powers to alter the revenue allocation
formula currently with the Presidency should be vested in the National
Assembly henceforth.
6. The Forum condemns the killing of security operatives at Alakio by
the outlawed Ombatse militia and commends the Nasarawa State
Government for the proactive steps taken in instituting a Judicial
Commission of Enquiry with a view to bringing to book the perpetrators
of this dastardly act.
7. The Forum condemns unreservedly the repression in Egypt following
the unconstitutional ouster of a democratically elected government and
call on the International community to ensure speedy resolution of the
crisis.
8. Finally, the Forum also resolved not only to complement the efforts
of the Interim National Executive of the APC but also to drive the
process of consolidation through accommodation and tolerance in order
to carry everybody along, since democracy is a game of numbers and
compromise.
Dated and signed at Lafia this 14th day of August, 2013 for and on
behalf of the PGF.
H.E. Umaru Tanko Al-makura (Governor, Nasarawa State)……………………
H.E. Kashim Shettima (Governor, Borno State)……………………………………..
H.E. Kayode Fayemi (Governor, Ekiti State)…………………………………………..
H.E. Rafiu Aregbesola (Governor, State of Osun)………………………………….
H.E. Babatunde Raji Fashola (Governor, Lagos State)……………………………
H.E. Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi (Governor, Oyo State)………………………………..
H.E. Abdulazeez Yari (Governor, Zamfara State)…………………………………..
H.E. Ibikunle A. Amosun (Governor, Ogun State)…………………………………..
H.E. Comrade Adams Oshiomhole (Governor, Edo Sate) ………………………
H.E. Owelle Rochas Okorocha (Governor, Imo State represented by the
Deputy Governor, H.E. Prince Eze
Madumere)…………………………………
H.E. Ibrahim Geidam (Governor, Yobe State) (Apologies)
