South-South Governors Threaten Boycott of Nigerian Governors Forum, Demand Action Against Wike
Governors from Nigeria's South-South region have issued a stern warning that they may boycott all future meetings of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), including those of the National Economic Council (NEC). This decision stems from their dissatisfaction with what they perceive as the forum’s failure to defend its members, particularly the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, from alleged attacks by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Concerns Over Attacks on Governor Fubara
The South-South governors have expressed their outrage over recent actions and statements by Minister Wike, which they claim are directed against People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governors, particularly Governor Fubara. In their view, these actions are detrimental to the unity of the party and have contributed to rising tensions in Rivers State.
The governors are calling on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action by either cautioning or removing Wike from his position as FCT Minister. They argue that such a move is necessary to restore confidence in the NGF's leadership and to prevent further destabilization in Rivers State.
Criticism of NGF Leadership
A key source within the group revealed that the governors are also critical of the Nigerian Governors Forum for not addressing the issues they have raised. Specifically, they are dissatisfied with the perceived lack of support for Governor Fubara and have expressed a broader concern about the leadership of NGF Chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State.
The South-South governors accuse AbdulRazaq of failing to unify the forum and to act in the best interests of all its members. This dissatisfaction has led to a growing lack of confidence in the NGF’s ability to maintain cohesion and solidarity among its governors.
Allegations Against Minister Wike
The governors further allege that Minister Wike is involved in attempts to destabilize the Rivers State government and unlawfully remove Governor Fubara from office. Wike’s inflammatory remarks and actions, which have specifically targeted PDP governors, have only deepened the division within the party, according to the governors.
These tensions, they argue, could escalate further unless decisive action is taken. The South-South governors insist that Wike’s continued interference poses a threat not only to Rivers State but to the broader political stability of the region.
Call for Presidential Intervention
The South-South governors are urging President Tinubu to intervene swiftly to address these issues. They have called on him to take firm steps to ensure that the FCT Minister refrains from actions that could disrupt party unity and peace in Rivers State. They are also demanding that Governor Fubara be protected from any unlawful attempts to unseat him, as the stability of Rivers State is vital to the economic and political stability of the entire region.
“We urge President Tinubu to intervene and ensure the NGF leadership promotes unity and respect among its members,” said an aide to one of the South-South governors, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Conclusion
The South-South governors have made it clear that they are prepared to take drastic action, including boycotting NGF and NEC meetings, if their concerns are not addressed. Their demands for President Tinubu’s intervention and the removal of Minister Wike reflect the deep divisions within the PDP and the broader concerns about governance in Rivers State. The situation remains tense, with the potential for further political fallout if these issues are not resolved
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