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Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has stated that his actions as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) would be guided by national interest.
Fayemi spoke while reacting to his emergence as leader of the group in the event leading to commencement of President Muhammdu Buhari’s second term in office from May 29, 2019.
In a statement issued by his media aide in Ado-Ekiti, Fayemi said he was ready to build on the commitment of his predecessors by ensuring that states have stronger partnership with the Federal Government as federating units.
He explained that his election as chairman and Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal as Deputy Chairman of the NGF showed that the forum represents Nigeria regardless of political persuasions.
Fayemi promised that states would be strengthened to make them become more dedicated to their people, adding that this will also become beneficial to the entire country.
However, the Yoruba Youth Socio-Cultural Association (YYSA), immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose and a former Governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim have congratulated Fayemi on his emergence as new helmsman of the NGF.
In a statement issued by YYSA’s National Secretary, Olawale Ajao, the group described his emergence as a deserved one and a positive development for a Yoruba presidency in 2023.
Fayose, in a statement by his Media Aide, Lere Olayinka, said Fayemi’s emergence was well deserved for him and the people of Ekiti State, adding: “I congratulate Governor Fayemi on his appointment and elevation as Chairman of the NGF.
Also, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South West has congratulated Governor Fayemi on his victory in Wednesday’s contest for chairmanship of the governors’ body.
Responding, Ohakim, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Collins Ughalaa, yesterday expressed hope that Fayemi would bring his wealth of experience to bear on the performance of his new office and he would succeed.
Speaking on Fayemi’s victory, outgoing Chairman of the forum and Governor of Zamfara State, Abdul Aziz Yari, said Fayemi and Tambuwal emerged through consensus, adding that he (Fayemi) was nominated by Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai and seconded by Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa.
Meanwhile, Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has emerged Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum
Former Chairman of the forum, Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State announced Dickson’s emergence after a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.
A statement from the state Commissioner for Information, Daniel Iworiso-Martins, said the meeting was attended by PDP governors, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, House of Representatives Speaker, Yakubu Dogara and Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus.
