…Seek financial aid from Buhari
By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have resolved to continue collaborating with the Federal Government to fight the scourge of insecurity bedeviling the country.
The Governors, who who met yesterday under the aegis of PDP Governors Forum in Abuja, urged the government to take necessary steps to engage all major stakeholders.
In a communique issued at the end of the meeting and signed by it’s Chairman and Governor of Sokoto state,
Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the Forum pointed out that States that bear the major brunt of the security challenges should be supported more by the Federal Government to secure the country.
Rising from a five-hour marathon meeting, the Governors equally pleaded for financial grants from President Muhammadu Buhari to tackle some teething governance issues.
Addressing journalists at the end of the meeting, Governor Waziri Tambuwal, disclosed that the meeting also received interim report from the Dr Bukola Saraki-led PDP reconciliation committee on efforts made so far to address the crisis among some members of the party.
On the need for financial grants from the Federal Government, Tambuwal explained that there were monumental issues of governance requiring huge financial commitment which are beyond the capacities of States.
He also stressed that PDP Governors had resolved not to play politics with security matters adding that whatever decision is taken by the Federal Government that is within the contemplation of the constitution will be supported by PDP Governors.
According to Tambuwal,, “As governors of the PDP, we have agreed and resolved to continue to work with the federal government with the sole aim of re-establishing peace in troubled areas of the Federation.
“We must not play politics with security and we must all work together to ensure that we bring back peace in our land.”
“So we have agreed to continue to work with the federal government in that regard.
“And on the general economic well being of the country, we are appealing to Mr President, to reconsider certain measures, and we are appealing to him to actually bring more succor and relief to the people of Nigeria and support state governments in the discharge of their mandate, by making available resources to the States, so that we can execute our mandate and ensure that we engender good governance and good condition of living in our respective states throughout the country”, he said.
The governors announced that they had set up a committee on Finace to be led by Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu; and another committee on legislature to be chaired by Bala Mohammed.
The third Committee is one on legal matters and to be led by Rivers State governor, Barrister Nyeson Wike.
Speaking after briefing the governors, Saraki expressed satisfaction with the response he received.
Aside Tambuwal, others in attendance were; Vice-Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, Gov. Nyesom Wike (Rivers State), Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta State),
Gov. Seyi Makinde (Oyo State), Gov. Godwin Obaseki (Edo State), Senator Bala Mohammed (Bauchi State), Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu State), Sen. Duoye Diri (Bayelsa State),
Sen. (Prof) Engr. Ayade Benedict (Cross Rivers State), Gov. Samuel Ortom (Benue State), Gov. Bello Mattawale Maradun (Zamfara State), Crowther Seth (Deputy Governor-Adamawa).
