2023: Northern governors condemns Southern counterparts for insisting on rotational presidency

Governors of the 19 Northern States have condemned their Southern counterparts for insisting that 2023 presidency must be zoned to the South without considering the constitutional implication of their agitation.

The condemnation was contained in the resolutions of the Forum’s meeting with the Northern States Emirs and traditional rulers which held at Sir, Ibrahim Kashim House, Kaduna on Monday.

The NGF said, some of their members have expressed their opinion on presidency moving to the South in the interest of unity of the country, stating that the insistence by the SGF led by the governor of Ekiti State, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was condemnable.

Governors posited that the Southern counterparts’ position was contrary to the provision of the the Constitution which requires 25% votes of the 2/3 States across the Federation.

NGF said: “The Forum observed that some Northern States Governors had earlier expressed views for a power-shift to three Geo-Political Zone in the South with a view to promoting unity and peace in the nation.

“Notwithstanding their comments, the Forum unanimously condemn the statement by the Southern Governors Forum that the Presidency must go to the South.

“The statement is quite contradictory with the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended that the elected President shall score the majority votes; score at least 25% of the votes cast in 2/3 States of the Federation.

The NGF acknowledged security challenges in northern States and applauded security agents for the renewed onslaught against bandits, insurgents and other criminal elements, while they encouraged security agents to sustained the tempo.

The meeting which was presided by Plateau State governor, and Chairman of Northern Governors Forum, Barr. Simon Lalong said they have taken stock of progress made in handling challenges of banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and insurgency and were quite satisfactory.

“The Forum reviewed security updates from the region and observed the need for a sustained synergy and coordinated efforts between the Federal and Northern States Governments while noting success of recent measures.

“The meeting also noted with concern the constraint of the security services and urged the Armed Forces to embark on simultaneous operations and resolved to share the plans of the Frontline States come up with common with other Region; and assured of its readiness to work in synergy with the Federal Government of Nigeria in finding lasting solution to the current security challenges.

“The Forum appreciated the ongoing onslaught against banditry, kidnapping and Boko Haram especially in the North East and parts of North West and North Central States and encouraged the Armed forces and other security agencies to sustain the tempo to enable the security challenges be permanently addressed in the shortest time.

“The Forum received updates on the Renewable / Solar Energy Project and noted that request for land for the project had been submitted and are being processed by the Northern States. The Committee had commenced negotiations in a public private arrangement and sovereign guarantees to ensure bankability of the project by multilateral financial organizations. The Forum called on States yet to process the request for allocation of land for the project to expedite action.

“The meeting received updates on activities of some Committees constituted by the Northern States Governors’ Forum and noted that recommendations contained therein are being considered with a view to coming up with implementation strategies.”