DISTURBED by the attack on Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum by suspected members of Boko Haram, the issue of security and resumption of schools top the agenda as the 36 State Governors under the platform of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) meet.
Chairman of NGF and Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi will preside at the 14th Teleconference meeting of the body billed to hold on Wednesday.
A statement issued by the NGF Secretariat said, “The rapidly degenerating security situation in the country will feature very prominently when governors meet tomorrow for their 14th NGF Teleconference meeting, according to the invitation sent out to governors by the Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Mr Asishana Bayo Okauru.
“Not unexpectedly, in line with the security and policing swamp that the country has found itself, the attack on Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum will be tabled for discussion just as the State Governors will also preview a webinar which comes up on the 11 of August, driven through a partnership of the Nigeria Governors Forum and the Centre for Value in Leadership (CVL), led by Professor Pat Utomi.
“One such webinar had taken place last month where the Governor of Lagos State Mr Babajide Sanwo- x-rayed Insecurity and the challenges of Governance and Leadership in the New Normal, as it affects his state. That too will come under the governors’ searchlight.
“Tomorrow’s meeting will commence at 2 pm prompt but the virtual platform will be open to joining an hour earlier.
“The flag-off and launch of the distribution of palliatives by the Coalition Against COVID19 (CACOVID), (populated by the likes of Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Access Bank along with other well-meaning philanthropists) in the States will also be addressed, as well as the issue of yet to be accessed funds at UBEC.
“Still on education, the Governors will review the resumption of schools and its roll-out plan.
“Apart from security and education, the permanent items on the Teleconferences since the pandemic, health and the economy will also make it to the table.”
The NGF had on Monday, expressed solidarity with Governor Zulum and the people of Borno State over attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Baga.
The governors expressed the solidarity in a letter signed by the Chairman of the forum and Governor Kayode Fayemi In Abuja.
Fayemi, while condemning the attack, expressed the forum’s solidarity to the governor to tackle the menance of insecurity.
“This is one unwarranted attack too many. It epitomizes our collective vulnerability and the fragility of the country’s security architecture.
“Although you emerged from this incident unscathed, we note with regret the injuries sustained by two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and a Police Officer attached to your convoy and do accordingly pray for their quick recovery.
“Mr Governor, Forum members are resolutely behind you in your effort to rid Borno State of these dastardly and wicked agents of evil.”
Fayemi said that the governors were appalled by the worsening security situation in the country generally, in spite of all the efforts of government to end it.
“On our part, the NEC Sub-Committee on Security will be meeting tomorrow and rising from the resolutions thereof soon dialogue with Mr. President and the nation’s Security Chiefs to discuss this worrisome and rapidly degenerating situation.
“On a final note, Mr Governor, we thank God for always being merciful.”
