The finances of state governments may soon improve as the Federal Government has halted further deductions from their accounts “to meet Local Government Councils London/Paris Club obligations.”
Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) Chairman Aminu Tambuwal announced this at the forum’s meeting on Tuesday.
At the meeting, the NGF members also effected leadership changes with Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq emerging as Tambuwal’s successor and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as vice-chairman.
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A communique issued after the meeting reads: “Members were briefed by the Chairman of the forum that the Minister of Finance (Zainab Ahmed) has granted the request of the forum to immediately stop further deductions from the accounts of states to meet Local Government Councils London Paris Club obligations and the monies so far deducted be paid back to the states.
“On the leadership of the forum, the Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, emerged the new Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum through a consensus, and the Governor of Oyo State Seyi Makinde is now the vice-chairman.”
The NGF also ”expressed satisfaction with the success of the just-concluded induction for new and returning governors that took place between 14 and 19 of May 2023.”
The members restated their “commitment to sustained collaboration among the states through enhanced peer review, learning at the sub-national level and deepening relationship with the Federal Government and other institutions.”
The London/Paris Club obligations and deductions have been a major cause of dispute between the Federal Government and states in recent times.
Meanwhile, Governor Abdulrazaq has said that the NGF under his leadership would maintain close relationships with the incoming President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, all federal and state institutions.
The governor, who was congratulated by Kwara State House of Assembly Speaker Yakubu Danladi-Salihu and a former All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, hailed his colleagues for the confidence reposed in him.
Abdulrazaq said: “l want to thank Allah, exalted is He, for the historic event in which my brother governors bestowed upon me the chairmanship of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. The significance and the huge responsibilities of this office are not lost on me.
“I hereby pledge to uphold the ideals and vision of the NGF whilst recognising and appreciating the eminent track record of the institution as a most credible, authoritative, influential and effective inter-party platform for consensus building and peaceful resolution and advancement of pan-Nigeria goals, interests and aspirations.
“I will ensure regular consultation with all members in order to arrive at a consensus on all issues for the advancement and promotion of national interest, peace, progress, and stability of the nation.”
In Ilorin, Speaker Danladi-Salihu said that the emergence of AbdulRasaq as NGF boss was a great achievement, not only to the state, but the nation at large.
(Nation)
