The forum of Nigeria’s People’s Democratic Party Governors say there is a void in leadership at the centre in Nigeria.
Rising from its meeting in Makurdi, the Benue State capital on Friday, the forum noted that in order to avert the looming crisis of a failed State, the federal Government must rise to its responsibilities and stop its blame game.
The meeting was attended by Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto who is the Chairman of the forum, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu Abia Vice Chairman, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri Adamawa, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike Rivers, Darius Ishaku Taraba and Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.
Others include Ifeanyi Ugwaunyi Enugu, Ben Okowa Delta, Seyi Makinde Oyo, Douye Diri Bayelsa, Udom Emmanuel Akwa Ibom Bello Mohammed Mutawalle Zamfara and host Governor Samuel Ortom. The Bauchi State Governor was represented by his Deputy Senator Bala Tela.
Chairman of the forum Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal who presented the communique at the end of the meeting condemned what the Party describes as the alarming drift of Nigeria warning that if allowed to continue, will make the nation a failed State.
The meeting expressed deep concerns at the deteriorating relations between various groups, saying faultlines and differences have been stretched to the limits by a Government that lacks the capacity to govern.
PDP according to Governor Tambuwal is worried because the action has given rise to ethnic, tribal and religious tensions and divisions never seen before.
They regretted that the security of lives and property are no longer guaranteed under the APC led federal Government due to leadership incompetence and mismanagement of affairs.
The Governors noted that they have a role to play in the worsening situation, but regretted that their hands are tied as the coercive authority is monopolised by the ruling APC.
It called on the Government to take advantage of the constitution amendment process to decentralise the security architecture and involve States and Local Governments.
The Governors also made a case for the devolution of powers and restructuring of the country with a view to bringing together various groups and tendencies which is imperative and timely as Nigeria cannot afford another civil war.
It also suggested for a new revenue allocation formula that allocates more resources to States and Local Government’s.
While also condemning the APC led Government’s double standards to intimidate PDP controlled States, the PDP Governors called on President Muhammadu Buhari to lift the no fly zone imposed on Zamfara and other intimidating tactics as it is not done to other States.
They queried why APC has been unable to constitute an executive Committee as required by law, but instead operating by military fiat.
PDP regretted Nigeria’s standing as officially the country with the highest unemployment rate and the second highest poverty rate in the world.
The PDP narional Chairman Prince Uche Secondus and the Chairman Board of Trustees Senator Walid Jibrin who also attended the meeting assured Nigerians that help is on the way as the Party is primed to offer effective leadership describing PDP as the Party with the only effective vehicle to salvage the country.
