Elder statesman and chief of the Pan Niger Delta Discussion board, Chief Edwin Clark, has referred to as for the suspension and reform of the Nigerian Governors’ Discussion board.
Clark made the decision in an open letter on Monday, stating that the Discussion board had deviated from its unique goal of fostering collaboration and had as a substitute develop into a “platform for energy with out accountability, affect with out duty.”
He defined that the NGF, initially established to advertise inter-state cooperation, had developed right into a “cabal” able to difficult the federal government, manipulating the legislature, and obstructing native authorities autonomy.
“The NGF was born out of necessity. It was established to foster inter-state cooperation and facilitate dialogue among the many governors of Nigeria’s 36 states. Its goal was to behave as a bridge between tiers of presidency, harmonising governance practices, exchanging concepts, and advocating for state pursuits inside the federal framework.
“Nevertheless, by the early 2010s, the NGF’s unique mandate was overshadowed by a rising tendency to behave as a bloc—a cabal able to difficult the federal government, manipulating the legislature, and stifling native authorities autonomy. The implications of this transformation have been dire. My voice, my letters, my pleas—maybe dismissed because the phrases of an elder within the twilight of his years—but I continued. I persist now as a result of the story of the NGF, like that of Nigeria, continues to be being written,” the letter learn.
Allegations of Overreach
Highlighting cases of the Discussion board’s alleged overreach, the Ijaw chief accused the NGF of decreasing state assemblies to mere extensions of the manager. He famous that audio system and meeting members have been usually handpicked by governors to make sure unwavering loyalty.
He mentioned, “The NGF’s manipulation of legislative processes is equally troubling. Governors usually manoeuvre federal candidates, notably senators, to safeguard their future political pursuits. The Senate, slightly than being a chamber of impartial thought, turns into a retirement plan for ex-governors.
“When will we see legislatures that replicate the need of the individuals slightly than the pursuits of governors? How can we rebuild these establishments to perform as true checks and balances?”
Clark described the NGF as a “infamous cabal” with a status for secrecy, resistance to reforms, and prioritising energy over service. Nevertheless, he expressed hope that with significant reforms, the NGF might nonetheless develop into a pressure for good.
Name for Reform and Reconstitution
The elder statesman referred to as for the suspension and reconstitution of the NGF, stating that reform would supply a possibility “to recalibrate, recommit, and rebuild.”
“Allow us to think about a reconstituted NGF—one which aligns with constitutional rules, serves as a real platform for collaboration slightly than management, and prioritises the individuals over politics.
“Reform just isn’t an indictment; it is a chance—an opportunity to recalibrate, recommit, and rebuild. Fellow Nigerians, the NGF stands at a crossroads. Its survival, and ours, will depend on its willingness to reform and align with the rules of democracy and good governance,” he mentioned.
Clark warned that failure to reform the NGF might result in a looming disaster, urging the Discussion board to embrace change to avert additional division amongst Nigeria’s varied ranges of authorities.
