The Nigeria Governors Forum led by Rivers State Governor
Rotimi Amaechi yesterday urged Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of
the economy Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to resign or manage the economy well.
The Forum said her non-compliance
with the revenue projection of the 2013 budget was a direct breach of the
Appropriation Act.
The governors also pointed out that
the National Economic Council (NEC) is the right body to manage the economy and
not the Economic Management Team (EMT).
Reading the communique at the end of
the meeting yesterday, Amaechi said: “The non compliance with the revenue
projections of the Federal Government of Nigeria 2013 Budget is a direct breach
of the provisions of the Appropriation Act 2013. Members expressed concern in
the management of the economy by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating
Minister of the Economy and called for a strict adherence to the Appropriation
Act 2013, failing which she should resign.
“Forum observed that National
Economic Council (NEC) is constitutionally responsible for the management of
the economy and should be used for that purpose as opposed to the Economic
Management Team (EMT) constituted by the Presidency.
“We reiterate our earlier call to
the National Assembly for the separation of the office of the Accountant
General of the Federation from that of the Accountant General of the Federal
Government for accountability and better management of the economy.”
He added: “After review of the Polio
situation in the country, members recognised that some progress has been made
in 2013 compared to 2012. Forum enjoined all governors to remain focussed and
continue to drive the programme in their respective states until polio is
completely eradicated.”
“Members expressed condolence to
Dame Patience Jonathan for the loss of her mother, Governor Fashola for the
loss of his father and the family of the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu, former
Governor of Ondo State.”
“Finally, it was resolved that the
Forum will hold a Nigeria Governors’ Forum Retreat in November, 2013.”
But indications emerged yesterday
night that reconciliatory efforts to resolve the crisis in the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) was not yielding results as governors loyal to Plateau
State Governor, Jonah Jang’s led faction stayed away from the Nigeria
Governors’ Forum (NGF) meeting chaired by Rivers State Governor, Rotimi
Amaechi.
The governors who attended the
meeting last night included Aliyu Wamako (Sokoto), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano),
Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara), Abdulafatah Ahmed (Kwara).
Others include Babangida Aliyu
(Niger), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Babatunde Fashola
(Lagos), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Sule Lamido (Jigawa).
Also at the meeting last night
were Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti)
Deputy governors from Edo, Borno and Nasarawa also
attended the meeting.
