The Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has emerged as the new Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, replacing Sokoto State governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal whose tenure of office would elapse on May 29.
A statement by Tambuwal on Wednesday disclosed that Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State also emerged as the Vice-Chairman of the forum, adding that the new leaders were chosen by consensus at the 7th emergency meeting of the NGF on Tuesday in Abuja.
“Members were briefed by the chairman of the forum that the Minister of Finance has granted the request of the forum to immediately stop further deductions from the accounts of states.
“This to meet local government councils London Paris Club obligations and the monies so far deducted be paid back to the states”, Tambuwal said.
He added that members of the forum expressed satisfaction with the success of the just concluded NGF induction for new and returning governors that took place from May 14 to May 19.
Members committed to sustained collaboration among the states through enhanced peer review, learning at the sub-national level and deepening the relationship with the Federal Government and other institutions, he stated.
He concluded by saying members were briefed by the Chairman of the Forum that the Hon. Minister of Finance 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.
Meanwhile, the Governor Advisory Council, GAC, in Kwara State has congratulated Governor AbdulRazaq on his emergence as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Lawyer Kunle Sulyman and the Deputy Chairman, Amb. Nurudeen Mohammed, GAC also congratulated all Kwarans for the remarkable achievement by the governor.
“Coming in the wake of your excellency’s recent re-election as Governor of Kwara State, this honour by your distinguished colleagues confirms the sterling qualities of the leadership you have offered in Kwara in the last four years and for which you have had a resounding mandate for another four years. These qualities, we believe, shall be brought to bear as you lead this distinguished body to deliver on the “New Hopes” ahead.
“GAC rejoices with the good people of Kwara state for this remarkable achievement. We are confident that Gov. AbdulRazaq will use his new esteemed position for the good of our country,” the statement read.
