By Newsmata
The Nigerian Governors’ Forum which had maintained an eerie silence since the suspension of one of their own, Sinibalayi Fubara of Rivers State from office for an initial six months period, and a state of emergency imposed on the state by President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday stated that it’s hands were tied and so could not comment on the development.
The NGF said as a body comprising different parties, it elected to steer clear of taking positions on the matter that may alienate members with varying political interests.
In a statement in Abuja signed by its Director General, Abdulateef Shittu, NGF explained that as a technical and policy hub comprising Governors elected on different platforms, the body decided to steer clear of taking positions that may alienate members with varying political interests.
The statement read: “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has received media enquiries requesting it to comment on some recent political developments in the country.
“The Forum wishes to clarify that it is an umbrella body for subnational governments to promote unified policy positions and collaborate with relevant stakeholders in pursuit of sustainable socioeconomic growth and the well-being of the people.
“As a technical and policy hub comprising Governors elected on different platforms, the body elects to steer clear of taking positions that may alienate members with varying political interests.
“In whatever language it is written, taking positions on contentious partisan issues would mean a poor sense of history — just a few years after the Forum survived a fundamental division following political differences among its members.
“Regardless, the Forum is reputed for its bold positions on governance and general policy matters of profound consequences, such as wages, taxes, education, and universal healthcare, among others.
“We call for the understanding of the public and the media, confident that appropriate platforms and crisis management mechanisms would take care of any such issues.”