Nigeria Governors Forum Holds Fourth Retreat In Port Harcourt Friday

Nigerian governors, under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) have held their fourth retreat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Friday, June 6.

The governors were discussing the current state of the health sector, unemployment, and life after office which has recently become controversial following an pension law passed in Akwa-Ibom State. All the 36 state governors were expected at the event holding at the Rivers State Government House.

Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi who chaired the Forum, said that 4th retreat is held at a critical juncture in Nigeria's life. "It is imperative that we do some stock takings as we prepare to bow out in 2015," he said. "Let us reflect on the crack on the body of the Nigeria Governors Forum. The time to bring everybody back is now," he added.

Unlike the previous retreat in Lagos – which turned out to be an APC governors affair – today's retreat was expected to feature some PDP Governors in key roles, Premium Times reports. But it is not yet clear weather all 36 governors have arrived. 

In attendance were Rabiu Kwankwaso, Kano State governor; and Rochas Okorocha, Imo State governor; Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti State; Senator Bukola Saraki and others. 

The communique read by Amaechi at the end of the event said the governors will focus on good governance and service delivery, especially in their last year of office. 

The NGF closed at about 4.30pm.

It will be recalled, the Forum has become factionalised last year when 16 governors formed a rival NGF after they lost the election to produce the chairman to the main faction led by Amaechi. The latter beat Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang – 19 against 16 votes – but Jang insisted that the election was rigged.

In April this year President Goodluck Jonathan revealed that he encouraged and was a beneficiary of the division NGF.

Source: Legit.ng