…pledges to uphold the ideals and vision of the NGF
By Fowewe Abdullateef
The Kwara State governor, Mallam AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman has emerged the new Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).
Also, his Oyo state counterpart, Governor Seyi Makinde, became the Vice-Chairman of the Forum.
The appointment was unveiled in a communique signed by the outgoing chairman of the forum (NGF), Aminu Tambuwal at the end of the 7th emergency meeting of the state governors held on Tuesday night, May 23, 2023, in Abuja.
The communique stated that, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq emerged through consensus, while Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde was chosen the vice chairman of NGF.
The communique: ”On the leadership of the Forum, the Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, emerged the new Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum through a consensus, and the Governor of Oyo State Seyi Makinde is now the vice chairman.
“Members expressed satisfaction with the success of the just concluded induction for new and returning governors that took place between 14th and 19th of May, 2023.
“Members committed to sustained collaboration among the states through enhanced peer review, learning at the sub-national level and deepening the relationship with the federal government and other institutions.
“Finally, members were briefed by the Chairman of the Forum that the Hon. Minister of Finance has granted the request of the Forum to immediately stop further deductions fromthe accounts of states to meet Local Government Councils London Paris Club obligations and the monies so far deducted be paid back to the states.”
Meanwhile, Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq acknowledged the significance and immense responsibilities of the role, in the statement released early today.
According to the statement, the Governor pledged to upholding the ideals and vision of the NGF.
The statement read: “I want to thank Allah, exalted is He, for the historic event in which my brother Governors bestowed upon me the Chairmanship of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).
“The significance and the huge responsibilities of this office are not lost on me.
“I hereby pledge to uphold the ideals and vision of the NGF whilst recognizing and appreciating the eminent track record of the institution as a most credible, authoritative, influential and effective inter-party platform for consensus building and peaceful resolution and advancement of pan-Nigeria goals, interests and aspirations.
“I will ensure regular consultation with all members in order to arrive at consensus on all issues for the advancement and promotion of national interest, peace, progress, and stability of the nation.”
Recall that, the position of NGF Chairman was held by Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the former Governor of Ekiti State, until the completion of his second term in office last year. Following Fayemi’s tenure, Aminu Tambuwal, who had served as his deputy, assumed the role of acting Chairman.
However, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum serves as an umbrella organisation for all 36 state governors across the country.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Abdulrazaq thanked Allah for the gift of life and appreciated his colleagues for believing in him and pledged to do everything humanly possible to justify the confidence reposed in him by a way of adding more value to good governance and qualitative leadership style that will ultimately translate to rapid growth and development of the nation.
” I want to thank Allah, exalted is He, for the historic event in which my brother Governors bestowed upon me the Chairmanship of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF). The significance and the huge responsibilities of this office are not lost on me.
“I hereby pledge to uphold the ideals and vision of the NGF whilst recognising and appreciating the eminent track record of the institution as a most credible, authoritative, influential and effective inter-party platform for consensus building and peaceful resolution and advancement of pan-Nigeria goals, interests and aspirations.
“l will ensure regular consultation with all members in order to arrive at consensus on all issues for the advancement and promotion of national interest, peace, progress, and stability of the nation.
“As a body, we will also continue our tradition of maintaining a close and cordial relationship with His Excellency the President, the National Assembly, all Federal and State institutions, the business community, the civil society, media, and development partners.
“Finally, l wish to thank my dear colleagues for the confidence reposed in me as the new Chairman of NGF.
