36 Govs Storm Rivers, ’Morrow …As Peer Review System Conference Opens In PH

The governors of the 36 states of Nigeria are expected to storm Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital today for a two-day Peer Review Machanism conference.

The Peer Review Mechanism (PRM) programme, an initiative of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), will hold tomorrow in Port Harcourt and is organised in collaboration with the Rivers State Government.

Speaking to newsmen in Port Harcourt, on Monday, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Levi Gogo Charles, disclosed that the aim of the initiative was to strengthen  co-oporation, healthy interaction and competition among the governors.

Mr Gogo Charles explained that the initiative would afford the governors opportunity to appraise polices and programmes of the various states to enable them learn from the experiences of others.

According to the commissioner, the conference which would be chaired by Justice Mohammed Uwais (rtd) would feature governors and some of their projects in the first phase while the second phase would allow stakeholders to criticise and appraise issues raised.

He further explained that the third phase would feature ministerial presentation by the Rivers State Commissioners to allow other state governors opportunity to assess projects so far executed.

Mr Gogo Charles, lauded the Governors Forum for coming up with the initiative that would bring about development of society  in all sectors of the economy and enhance democratic dividends to the people of Nigeria.

The Tide gathered that the Peer Review Mechanism is a global phenomenon that evolved through cooperation and exchange of experiences.

The commissioner, therefore, appealed to stakeholders in the development process of Rivers state, non-governmental organisations, religious bodies, members of the organised private sector and the general public to participate in the two-day conference.

Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi (right), receiving the trophy won by Dolphins FC from the team’s Coach, Mr Stanley Eguma (left), at Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday. With them is Commissioner for Sports, Hon Fred Igwe. Photo: Chris Monyanaga