Saraki Continues As Govs’ Forum Chair

Representative of Rivers State Governor and Commissioner for Works, Hon Dakuku Peterside (right) conferring with Hon Maureen Tamuno, member, Rivers State House of Assembly, during the commissioning of a road constructed under Tamuno’s constituency projects for her people in Ogu/Bolo LGA, last Tuesday

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has asked Governor Bukola Saraki of Kwara State to continue as chairman of the body.

The governors’ resolution was contained in a communique issued yesterday in Abuja at the end of a meeting.

The communique said some NGF members said to be involved in a purported meeting which announced a change in leadership had expressed regrets at their action while the forum had accepted their apology.

It also stated that the NGF had set up a committee of six members headed by Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State to look into issues of succession, tenure of chairman and a transition arrangement.

The communique said the NGF also deliberated on the security challenges in the country and condoled with President Goodluck Jonathan on the October 1 bomb blast.

The NGF, which condemned all acts of terrorism and violence, however, commended the security agencies for their swift response.

It called for increased security surveillance in all the states.

The NGF formally welcomed Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti and condoled with Gov. Liyel Imoke of Cross River over the loss of his mother.

Also speaking to newsmen, Gov. Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State said dialogue was the only means of achieving peace and unity in the country.

He said the forum had a peaceful deliberation.

21 governors were in attendance while those of Taraba, Oyo and Katsina States were represented by their deputies.