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The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has explained why it has not commented on the unfolding political crisis in Rivers State.
The NGF’s Director General, Abdulateef Shittu explained that “as a technical and policy hub, comprising governors elected on different platforms, the body (NGF) elects to steer clear of taking positions that may alienate members with varying political interests.”
Shittu explained his organisation’s position in a statement issued on Saturday.
The statement reads: “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.”