Politics
Good Governance: Clark Urges NGF Suspension
In an open letter released on January 13, 2025, Pa Clark described the NGF as a once-noble initiative that has transformed into a “notorious cabal” prioritizing political power over public service.
However, Pa Clark argued that it has since morphed into a bloc capable of challenging the federal executive and manipulating legislative processes, thereby stifling local government autonomy.
He criticised governors for reducing state assemblies to mere extensions of their administrations and positioning themselves for Senate roles, effectively turning the chamber into a “retirement plan” rather than a body of independent thought.
“The NGF was created to serve as a bridge between tiers of government,” he stated, “but instead, it has morphed into a force that undermines legislative independence.”
Reflecting on the NGF’s origins, he described it as “born of necessity” to foster inter-state cooperation and facilitate dialogue among Nigeria’s 36 state governors.
“Let us take a reflective stroll through the years,” Pa Clark wrote, emphasizing that while the NGF had noble beginnings, it had often strayed into political posturing and power struggles.
He drew a comparison to the United States Governors’ Association, which he described as a collaborative body focused on improving governance and serving as a unified voice for state governments.
“The achievements of the U.S. model remind us of what the NGF could have been—a platform for progress rather than contention,” he asserted.
Pa Clark highlighted a troubling transformation within the NGF over the years. By the early 2010s, he noted, the forum began to act more like a political bloc capable of challenging federal authority and manipulating legislative processes. This shift, he said, has led to serious consequences for Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“The NGF’s ability to unify State Governors under a common banner could have been its greatest strength,” but instead, it has often been wielded as a weapon against constitutional order, Pa Clark said.
He pointed out specific areas of concern which include undermining legislative independence.
At the state level, Pa Clark argued that governors have reduced state assemblies to mere extensions of executive power. “Speakers and Assembly members are handpicked by the Governors,” ensuring unwavering loyalty and stifling independent thought or dissent, he wrote.
He also expressed concern over alleged manipulation at the federal level and criticised how governors maneuver federal candidates, particularly senators, to safeguard their political interests.
“The Senate becomes a retirement plan for ex-Governors,” he lamented, highlighting how this cycle entrenches personal gain over public service.
Despite his criticisms, Clark expressed hope for reform within the NGF. He acknowledged that critics often described it as “a notorious cabal,” but he believes that meaningful changes could transform it into “a force for good.”
He said he envisions a reconstituted NGF that aligns with constitutional principles and prioritizes collaboration over control.
“Reform is not an indictment; it is an opportunity,” he emphasized, adding, “It is a chance to recalibrate, to recommit, and to rebuild.”
In conclusion, Pa Clark made an urgent appeal for action: “The NGF stands at a crossroads. Its survival—and ours—depends on its willingness to reform.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to submit the list of candidates for the 2027 governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections from Saturday, August 8, to Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
The commission announced the extension in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna.
According to INEC, the decision followed appeals by political parties for additional time to complete the submission process through the dedicated online portal.
“The submission window, which according to the revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the General Election was originally scheduled to close on Saturday, 8th August, 2026, has been extended to Tuesday, 11th August, 2026,” the commission said.
In a a related development, INEC announced the suspension of PVC collection in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The commission said voters who applied for replacement of lost, damaged or defaced Permanent Voter Cards would have until midnight on Sunday, August 9, to print downloadable copies of their cards.
The electoral body explained that the deadline was necessary to enable it compile data on downloaded PVCs and produce final statistics on the total number of cards collected ahead of the election.
INEC said PVC collection in Osun commenced at the Registration Area level from July 22 to 28, 2026, but was extended to July 31 following complaints about large crowds and difficulties experienced by voters at collection centres.
The exercise subsequently moved to the local government level and ran from August 1 to 7.
The commission also disclosed that replacement downloadable PVCs had been made available to voters in Odo-Otin and Ife Central Local Government Areas following the theft of cards during attacks on the two collection centres.
It stressed that the stolen cards could not be used to vote.
INEC reassured Osun residents of its preparedness for the August 15 governorship election.
“The commission reiterates that the stolen cards cannot be used to vote.
“INEC reassures the people of Osun State of its readiness to conduct a free, fair, credible and inclusive governorship election on 15th August, 2026,” the statement said.
The commission said the deadline, initially set for Saturday, 8 August, has been extended to Tuesday, 11 August 2026, following appeals from political parties for more time.
INEC also announced that the window for voters who applied to replace lost, damaged or defaced PVCs to download their replacement cards will close at midnight on Sunday, 9 August.
The move is to enable the commission compile final PVC collection figures ahead of the 15 August Osun governorship election.
INEC said replacement downloadable PVCs have also been provided to affected voters in Odo-Otin and Ife Central Local Government Areas after hoodlums carted away cards from two collection centres, stressing that the stolen cards cannot be used to vote.
The commission reaffirmed its readiness to conduct a free, fair, credible and inclusive election in Osun State.
Gov. Kefas made the remarks over the weekend at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo, during the flag-off of the second phase of the Renewed Hope Medical Outreach in Taraba State, organised as part of activities marking Prof. Yilwatda’s 58th birthday.
The governor commended Prof. Yilwatda for choosing to mark his birthday by providing medical care to people in need.
“What Professor Nentawe did is a powerful demonstration of what leadership should be,” Gov. Kefas said.
He assured that his administration would continue to support initiatives that complement government efforts to improve healthcare delivery and the wellbeing of residents.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Yilwatda called on Nigerian leaders to embrace the culture of giving and use their positions to touch the lives of the less privileged.
He said his decision to celebrate his 58th birthday in Taraba State was deliberate and informed by the needs of underserved communities, particularly people who face difficulties accessing healthcare because of distance and financial constraints.
According to him, the intervention followed a needs assessment and was extended across the three senatorial districts of the state.
He said the exercise commenced on August 3 at Takum General Hospital and covered the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Wukari; First Referral Hospital, Sunkani, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area; General Hospital, Bali; General Hospital, Gembu; and FMC Jalingo.
Prof. Yilwatda said the intervention provided medical services to thousands of beneficiaries, including people who required surgical procedures.
He said sustainable national development could only be achieved when strong institutions placed Nigerians at the centre of development.
“Leadership is about service,” he said, urging political and public leaders to make giving back to society an important part of their responsibilities.
He reaffirmed his commitment to serving Nigeria and its people, saying his personal vision was to make every day of his life useful to humanity.
“Every day that I live, the vision is: let it be useful to humanity,” he said.
The Taraba State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bordiya Buma, commended the initiative, saying it was consistent with the Renewed Hope agenda and efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery in the state.
Dr Buma said the second phase followed the successful completion of the first phase, which was conducted simultaneously in six local government areas, with two LGAs selected from each of the three senatorial districts.
According to him, more than 10,000 patients were attended to during the first phase, including people with medical and surgical conditions.
He disclosed that 327 general surgeries, 71 eye surgeries and 575 dental procedures were carried out during the exercise.
The commissioner expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the Renewed Hope Medical Outreach and thanked Prof. Yilwatda for supporting the initiative and choosing Taraba State as a beneficiary.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, also commended Prof. Yilwatda for choosing Taraba State to mark his 58th birthday through a medical outreach.
Prof. Pate said making healthcare the centrepiece of the birthday celebration was significant because health affects everyone.
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