Chief Edwin Clark.
A call was Monday made for the suspension of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF). Chief Edwin Clark, Convener of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), made the call in an open letter, saying the reason was to “avert the looming crises between the various governments”.
The PANDEF leader noted that the forum, established to foster collaboration among States and improve democracy, had gradually become a tool for personal gain over public service.
Read the letter in part: “Let us take a reflective stroll through the years, examining how this body, initially intended as a platform for collaboration, has often strayed into the realm of power without accountability, influence without responsibility.
“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, its prioritisation of power over service—all these have contributed to its reputation”.
The elder statesman decried the current state of the NGF, noting that with meaningful reforms, the forum could become “a force for good”.
He called for the reconstitution of the forum to align with constitutional principles, and serve as a true platform for collaboration rather than control.
Said Clark: “Let us imagine a reconstituted NGF. One that aligns with constitutional principles. One that serves as a true platform for collaboration rather than control.
“One that prioritises the people over politics. This is not beyond our grasp, but it requires vision and will.
“Therefore, I strongly advise the suspension of the Governors’ Forum from now in order to avert the looming crises between the various governments”.
