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.”
During a press conference held in Owerri, the coalition called the campaign a “dangerous and shameful display” designed to distract the public from the governor’s performance in office.
The CSOs directly linked the Greater Imo Initiative (GII) —the group that made the allegations on September 4, 2025—to Governor Uzodimma, describing the group as his “mouthpiece and attack dog.”
“Every word spoken against INEC was spoken on his behalf.
“By falsely alleging that Professor Yakubu has an alliance with Dr. Amadi to compromise the 2027 elections, Uzodimma has not only maligned a man of proven integrity but also assaulted the very foundation of our democracy”, said Dr Agbo Frederick, speaking for the coalition.
The coalition described Professor Yakubu as a “beacon of electoral professionalism” and called the attempt to soil his reputation “defamatory and a national security risk.”
They also defended Dr. Amadi, a “respected development scholar,” stating that the governor’s accusations were “laughable, desperate, and dangerous.”
The CSOs see the motive behind the campaign as an attempt to “silence the dissent, intimidate the opposition, and divert attention from the governor’s abysmal record in office.”
The coalition issued four key demands to Governor Uzodimma: An immediate retraction of the false and defamatory allegations against Professor Mahmood Yakubu and Dr. Chima Amadi.
- A public apology to both men within seven days, to be published in at least three national newspapers and broadcast on major television networks.
- An end to diversionary tactics and proxy propaganda.
- A renewed focus on governance, including addressing insecurity, unemployment, and poverty in Imo State.
The CSOs warned that failure to comply would force them to “review our position with a view to seeking legal redress from Governor Uzodimma for defamation, false accusation, and reckless endangerment of lives.”
“Governor Uzodimma must be reminded that he did not find himself in the seat of power to chase shadows.
“We call on all Nigerians to reject Uzodimma’s diversionary antics as they are nothing short of desperate plots by a government terrified of accountability”, the statement concluded.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed concern that preventing the senator from resuming her legislative duties violates democratic principles and disenfranchises her constituents.
“The suspension, having been imposed by the Senate and not a court of law, has lapsed. Any further attempt to prevent her from resuming is therefore both illegal and morally indefensible,” Mallam Abdullahi said.
The party noted that denying Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan access to the chamber silences the voice of the people who elected her, adding that the withdrawal of her salary, aides, and office access during the suspension amounted to excessive punishment.
The ADC also criticised the Clerk of the National Assembly for declining to process her resumption on grounds that the matter was before the courts, arguing that the Clerk’s role was administrative, not judicial.
“Administrative caution must not translate into complicity. When the administrative machinery becomes hostage to political interests, the institution itself is diminished,” the party stated.
Highlighting that Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan is one of only four women in the 109-member Senate, the ADC warned that the handling of the case sends a discouraging signal about gender inclusion in Nigerian politics.
“Any action that resembles gender intimidation of the few women in the Senate would only discourage women’s participation. Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while excluding half of its population from key decision-making spaces,” Mallam Abdullahi added.
The ADC insisted that Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan be allowed to resume her seat immediately, stressing that the matter was about more than one individual.
“What is at stake here is not just one Senate seat, but the integrity of our democracy itself,” the party said.
-
Politics2 days ago
2027: Bayelsa APC Adopts Tinubu As Sole Candidate … As Lokpobiri, Lyon Shun Meeting
-
Sports2 days ago
GOtv Boxing Night 34 holds Dec. in Lagos
-
Politics2 days agoAlleged Smear Campaign Against Yakubu, CSOs Demand Apology From Uzodimma
-
Sports2 days ago
WCQ: NFF Denies Post Match Statement
-
Politics2 days ago
2027: Jega Condemns Premature Campaigns, Blames Elected Officials
-
Politics2 days ago
Why INEC Can’t Punish Politicians For Early Campaigns – Yakubu
-
Politics2 days ago
Stopping Natasha’s Resumption Threatens Nigeria’s Democracy – ADC
-
Sports2 days ago
Gov. Decries Delta’s Poor Performance At 2025 NYG