- Halimah Olamide
“Already, Nigerians have suffered enough. The global economic recession, the insecurity in Nigeria, the political tension occasioned by instigations and campaigns of calumny by the opposition parties, the social media attacks on the various policies of government.
Governors under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have asked young Nigerians not to be instigated into causing violence in the country in the name of protests.
This was the appeal by the governors after they met under closed door in Abuja.
The governors had reviewed the situation in the country and the impending protests across the country over the state of the economy.
They also discussed the recent financial autonomy granted the Local Government Areas by the Supreme Court.
Gov Hope Uzodinnma of Imo state who spoke with journalists at the end of the meeting assured Nigerians that “prosperity is coming at the end of the current economic downturn.”
“Already, Nigerians have suffered enough. The global economic recession, the insecurity in Nigeria, the political tension occasioned by instigations and campaigns of calumny by the opposition parties, the social media attacks on the various policies of government. We want to advise that in the interest of the country and show of patriotism, our citizens must tale ownership of this country because we have no other country we can call our own. We think it is not wise at this moment for any demonstration. by any group of persons,” the Imo governor said
He also appealed to those planning the protests to seek dialogue with the authorities saying this will be more productive than violence.
The meeting being presided over by the Forum Chairman, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara already have in attendance the governors of Abia, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Plateau, Yobe, Oyo, and Imo, Benue, Cross River, Ondo, Zamfara, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Kano, Sokoto, Kebbi, Gombe, Nasarawa, Lagos, Ekiti, Kano and Akwa-Ibom states.
Others are; Deputy Governors of Borno and Enugu States.
Edo state was represented by the deputy governor Phillip Shaibu.