In a fight for regional supremacy, the North Central Governor’s Forum (NCGF) has disassociated itself from a group known as the North Central Peoples Forum, NCPF.
NCGF said the new group is not recognized by the leadership of the North Central geopolitical zone.
This is the position of the Governor’s Forum in a communiqué after an exhausting virtual meeting presided over by its Chairman and Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello.
The NCGF, however, agreed that the NCPF has the right just like any other group to the freedom of association, but faulted the new group for not consulting either collectively or individually before it’s emergence.
Declaring, “As governors of North Central Region, we are yet to be briefed about the objectives of the North Central Peoples Forum.
“The Governors saw the news in the media just like other Nigerians. Wish to state categorically that the Governors are not part of the North Central Peoples Forum and shall not participate in its activities.
“We recognise the constitutional right of individuals and groups such as the North Central Peoples Forum to form lawful associations and pursue their aspirations.
“We reaffirm that as the North Central Governors we believe and are committed to the oneness of the North.”
NCPF led by former Agriculture Minister, Dr. Audu Ogbeh, is a break-away group from the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) that has always been seen as pursuing the interests of the core north including the Hausas, Fulanis, Kanuris as well as a few other groups or tribes whose desires are not allegedly without taken into consideration in the region.
The North Central Governor’s Forum, however, pledged its loyalty to the leadership of the Northern Governor’s Forum under the Chairmanship of governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong,
They insisted that they shall continue to welcome views, suggestions, recommendations and ideas that seek to promote the unity and development of the Northcentral.
“We restate that the North Central Governors Forum shall continue to work for the sustainable socio-economic development of the North Central region and the progress of its people.”
