The faction of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) led by Rivers state governor, Rotimi Amaechi, met on Tuesday night in Abuja cautioning the Finance Minister over poor handling of the nation’s economy.
The group at the meeting asked the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to either improve her management of the nation’s economy according to the provisions of the Appropriation Act 2013 or resign from her position.
The 16 state governors in attendance said her non-compliance with the revenue projection of the 2013 budget was a direct breach of the Appropriation Act 2013.
The governors were; Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara), Abdulafatah Ahmed (Kwara), Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti).
The Governors of Edo, Nasarawa and Borno were represented by their Deputies.
However, governors loyal to the faction chaired by Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang did not attend the meeting.
A communiqué Amaechi read to journalists at the end of the meeting which held at the Rivers State Governor’s Lodge, said it was unconstitutional for the Economic Management Team (EMT) constituted by President Goodluck Jonathan to manage the economy.
It maintained that the National Economic Council (NEC) was the body constitutionally charged with the responsibility of managing the economy.
“The non compliance with the revenue projections of the Federal Government of Nigeria 2013 Budget is a direct breach of the provisions of the Appropriation Act 2013. Members expressed concern in the management of the economy by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy and called for a strict adherence to the Appropriation Act 2013, failing which she should resign.
“Forum observed that National Economic Council (NEC) is constitutionally responsible for the management of the economy and should be used for that purpose as opposed to the Economic Management Team (EMT) constituted by the Presidency.
“We reiterate our earlier call to the National Assembly for the separation of the office of the Accountant General of the Federation from that of the Accountant General of the Federal Government for accountability and better management of the economy.”
“After review of the Polio situation in the country, members recognised that some progress has been made in 2013 compared to 2012. Forum enjoined all governors to remain focused and continue to drive the programme in their respective states until polio is completely eradicated.”
“Members expressed condolence to Dame Patience Jonathan for the loss of her mother, Governor Fashola for the loss of his father and the family of the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu, former Governor of Ondo State.
“Finally, it was resolved that the Forum will hold a Nigerian Governors’ Forum Retreat in November, 2013,” the NGF faction stated in its communiqué.
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