By Nathaniel Zacchaeus, Abuja
Elder statesman and First Republic Minister of Information, Chief Edwin Clark, has advocated immediately suspending the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF).
He said doing so remains the only panacea to avert a looming crisis among the tiers of government in the country
Clark, who made the call in a statement yesterday, lamented that the NGF was fast becoming a cabal rather than a force for good governance.
He said, “Critics often describe the NGF as a notorious cabal, a characterisation that is, sadly, not without merit. Its resistance to reforms, its penchant for secrecy, and its prioritisation of power over service have all contributed to its reputation.
“Yet, I believe in redemption. With meaningful reforms, the NGF can become a force for good. Let us imagine a reconstituted NGF. One that aligns with constitutional principles. One that serves as a genuine platform for collaboration rather than control.
“One that prioritises the people over politics. This is not beyond our grasp but requires vision and will.”
Clark clarifies that reform is not an indictment but an opportunity.
He said, “It is a chance to recalibrate, recommit, and rebuild. Will the NGF seize this moment?”
Clark said the NGF stands at a crossroads.
He said, “Its (NGF) survival, and ours, depends on its willingness to reform and align with the principles of democracy and good governance. Therefore, I strongly advise suspending the Governors’ Forum from now to avert the looming crises between the various governments.”
He said his letter was a gentle yet firm call to introspection, focusing on the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) and its evolving role in our democracy.
He said the body was initially intended as a platform for collaboration but regretted that it had often strayed into the realm of power without accountability, influence without responsibility.
Going down memory lane, the Federal Minister of Information in the defunct First Republic explained that the NGF was born of necessity.
