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Tag: northern governors

  • 2023: El-Rufai clarifies Northern Governors’ position on power shift to South

    2023: El-Rufai clarifies Northern Governors’ position on power shift to South

    Governor Nasir El Rufai of Kaduna state has clarified that the Northern States Governors’ Forum did not oppose the idea of zoning presidency to the south in 2023, rather it is against the language used in the resolution of the Southern Governors on the issue of power shift.

    El-Rufai said that northern governors were alarmed that their southern counterparts will use the word “must” in their agitation for power shift to the south after President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure in 2023.

    According to the governor, the word ‘’must’’ is at variance with democracy which is characterized by negotiations and horse-trading by parties involved, often out of the public glare.

    The governor recalled that himself and “some other northern governors had earlier called for power shift in 2023 in their individual capacities in order to foster national unity and togetherness”, adding: “I was called names by our people for making that call.”

    El Rufai who made these clarifications in a media chat with select Kaduna-based radio stations on Tuesday night said that the media misrepresented the resolution of the Northern Governors’ Forum meeting which held on Monday, on power shift.

    The governor who spoke in the Hausa language, also stated that “the north has supported southern presidential aspirants in the past,” recalling that it “supported Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s aspiration in 1999 and his re-election in 2003”.

    According to him, southern governors should have reached out to their northern counterparts on the issue of power shift instead of playing to the gallery.

    He pointed out that the APC has no provision of power shift in its constitution, adding that even the PDP which has it in its constitution, flouted their own law during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in 2011, where the president stood for re-election.

  • MBJF rubbishes Northern Governors’ rejection of southern presidency, VAT

    MBJF rubbishes Northern Governors’ rejection of southern presidency, VAT

    The Middle Belt Journalists Forum, MBJF, has distanced itself from the Northern Governors Forum’s (NGF) position that the North should again produce the next president of Nigeria in 2023, stressing that it was against the already established understanding of rotational presidency in the country.

    MBJF also picks holes in the rejection by the NGF of the Port Harcourt High Court judgment, which empowers states to collect Value Added Tax from their states, instead of the Federal Inland Revenue Services, FIRS. According to the group, it is sub-judicial for the governors to discuss and even issue a communique on a matter that is still pending in court.

    The forum stressed that rotational presidency which is being canvassed by the Governors from the southern part of the Nigeria, is based on a political understanding that was reached many years ago, and which has fostered national peace, unity and political stability in the country, and so should not be jettisoned at this point by any group for their selfish political gains.

    The MBJF in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday and signed by its president, Jonathan Ipaa and National Secretary, Mrs Oikeke Igado-Kure, respectively, urged the governors and people of the Middle-Belt not to support the NGF’s position, which it described as a “selfish, self-serving, dangerous ostrich game that is inimical to national peaceful coexistence and capable of disintegrating the country.”

    “We condemn in strong terms the controversial position of the Northern Governors Forum NGF on the 2023 presidency and the Value Added Tax, which some Governors from the southern part are genuinely clamoring for and so we align ourselves with the Southern Governors’ Forum in their selfless and patriotic demands.

    “We view the Northern Governors Forum’s standpoint on the 2023 presidency as self-serving, unpatriotic, brazenly provocative and dangerously capable of overheating the polity at this point in time.

    “It is also unfortunate and regrettable that the NGF is chaired by Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, from the Middle-Belt, who we understand was the only governor from the zone that attended the meeting and who also was mandated to read the Kaduna Communique.

    “While we applaud the conspicuous absence of other Middle-Belt Governors from the Kaduna meeting, we urge Gov Lalong and his fellow Middle-Belt governors to re-strategize, retrace their steps and focus more on how to end the scourge of the foreign Fulani terrorists who have already encircled the entire Middle-Belt for the purpose of launching more daring genocidal attacks against the people obviously for the purpose of taking over their ancestral lands and turning them to IDPs.

    “The Middle-Belt which has over the years been made a sacrificial lamb in the course of Nigeria’s national unity without any commensurate national reward. should not be part of any attempt to cause further bloodshed in the country and further divide Nigeria by selfish politicians.

    “As patriots, we strongly subscribe to an uncompromising standpoint of national unity and cohesion, so the Middle-Belt should not support any agenda by any guise whatsoever. that seeks to deny other ethnic groups and geopolitical zones of the federation their right to occupy the highest office in the country.

    “The MBJF believes that it is of utmost national interest that the Middle-Belt (and all well-meaning Nigerians) should align with the South-West, South-East and South-South geopolitical zones to produce the next president of Nigeria in the interest of fairness, equity, equality, peaceful coexistence and national unity,” the statement said.

  • 2023 : Northern governors reject rotation of presidency, back FG’s on VAT

    2023 : Northern governors reject rotation of presidency, back FG’s on VAT

    Governors of Nigeria’s northern states have rejected the principle of a rotational presidency, saying it is against the constitution of the country.

    The governors also opposed the position of their southern counterparts on value-added tax (VAT).

    They stated this after a meeting of the Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF) on Monday in Kaduna.

    The chairman of the forum, Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong, issued a statement on the outcome of the meeting.

    He said “some Northern States Governors had earlier expressed views for a power-shift to the three geo-political zones 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.

    “In the case of run-up, simple majority wins the election,” the statement said.

    The governors also deliberated on the controversy on the collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) on which Lagos and Rivers States have made laws.

    “As responsible leaders, while we are constraint by the fact that the matter is subjudice, we however for the purposes of educating the public make the following observations:

    “The judgement of the Federal high Court calls to question the constitutionality of VAT, withholding tax, education tax, Niger Delta Development Commission, National Information Technology Development Agency, 13% derivation, National Economic Development Council and many other currently levied and collected by the Federal Government of Nigeria, Federal Inlands Revenue Service.

    “Rivers and Lagos State Governments had enacted their own VAT laws and the Southern Governors Forum have expressed support for this course of action;

    “VAT is being confused by these State Government as a sales tax. If every state enacted its own VAT Law, multiple taxation will result in increases of prices of goods and services and collapsed in interstate trade. VAT is not a production tax like excise, but terminal tax which is paid by the ultimate consumer;

    “Another confusion is ignoring observation above and its ‘overall effect’. The reason Lagos account for our 50% VAT collection is because most of the telecommunication companies, banks, manufacturing and other trading activities have their headquarters in Lagos with the resultant and wrongful attribution of VAT

    “Until and unless the Supreme Court pronounces judgement on the substantive matter between Rivers State and Federal Government, the matter is sub judice and Northern States Governors Forum would respect this,” the statement said.

  • [BREAKING] 2023: Northern governors reject zoning presidency to south, say agitation by southern colleagues unconstitutional

    [BREAKING] 2023: Northern governors reject zoning presidency to south, say agitation by southern colleagues unconstitutional

    Governors of the 19 states in the North have opposed the call by their southern counterparts that the Presidency should be zoned to the South in 2023.

    This formed part of the resolutions reached on Monday when the governors held an emergency meeting with traditional rulers in the region at the Government House in Kaduna State.

    Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, read out the communique containing the resolutions on behalf of his colleagues.

    According to the governors, zoning the office of the President as being agitated by southern governors is against the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

    They stated that any president elected must meet the constitutional requirements which include scoring the majority votes, and polling at least 25 per cent of the votes cast in two-thirds of the 36 states of the Federation.

    Governor Lalong noted that although some northern governors had endorsed power shift to the South, the regional governors collectively condemned such calls.

    He also briefed reporters on the position of the governors regarding the lingering dispute between the Federal Government and states over the collection of Value Added Tax (VAT).

    The northern governors, Lalong said, are aware that the case is before the court, and it will amount to sub-judice to take a decision on the matter.

    He, however, explained that VAT should not be mistaken by state governments as a sales tax, saying allowing every state to enact its VAT law would result in multiple taxations, increases in prices of goods and services, as well as a collapse in inter-state trade.

    On the security of the region, the northern governors commended the ongoing military onslaught against bandits and insurgents in parts of the North.

    Despite the progress made, they decried the alleged high level of conspiracies perpetrated by some judicial officers in releasing and granting bail to arrested criminals.

  • VAT, insecurity top agenda as Northern Governors, traditional rulers meet in Kaduna

    VAT, insecurity top agenda as Northern Governors, traditional rulers meet in Kaduna

    The Northern Governors’ Forum and traditional rulers from the region are holding an emergency meeting in Kaduna State.

    Top on the agenda at the meeting are issues relating to the Value Added Tax (VAT), insecurity and economic problems confronting the region.

    The meeting, which is taking place at the Executive Council Chamber of the Kaduna State Government House, is chaired by the Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong.

    Those in attendance include the governors of Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna, Borno, Nasarawa, Jigawa and Gombe.

    The governors of Niger, Kogi, Benue, Niger, Zamfara and Taraba states are represented by their deputies.

    Also present are the Sultan of Sokoto and the Chairman of Northern Traditional Rulers Council, Abubakar Saad.

    The Shehu of Borno, the Emir of Zazzau, Nuhu Bamali, Estu Nupe, Emir of Kano and other royal fathers are also attending the meeting.

    In his remark, the host governor, Nasir El-Rufai said the northern region is facing severe economic and security challenges that require the convening of the emergency meeting between the governors and traditional rulers.

    According to El-Rufai, the forum will help chart a way forward to deal with these issues.

    While highlighting the agenda for the meeting, the chairman of the forum, Simon Lalong, disclosed that the governors will take a common position on VAT collection and the surrounding controversies.

  • Insecurity: Emulate Southern Govs, Hon Teejay Yusuf tells Northern Governors

    Insecurity: Emulate Southern Govs, Hon Teejay Yusuf tells Northern Governors

    …condemns over-dependence on federal statutory allocations

    A member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Teejay Yusuf has said Southern governors’ non-partisan objectivity deserves applause.

    According to Yusuf (PDP, Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency) those with conscience among Northern Governors should follow suit by supporting the objective recommendations of their southern counterparts, without political, ethnic or religious sentiments.

    In a statement, Honourable Teejay Yusuf commended all the governors who met in Asaba last Tuesday, under the auspices of the Southern Nigeria Governors Forum (SNGF),to discuss worsening insecurity and other matters affecting citizens.

    “It was impressive that the governors had jettisoned political partisanship, putting nation-building and development first in their dealings; their recommendations resonate very well with citizens’ worst fears and genuine concerns.

    “It is noteworthy that while their recommendations have been long overdue, the governors called on the President to do the simple but reassuring task of addressing the nation as his words will be best regarded at this time.

    “It is overdue and done in the interest of the nation; for the first time, I find our governors jettisoning partisanship and putting the issue of nation-building and development at the forefront during their meeting and I am impressed,” he stated.

    He further emphasized the need for the nineteen northern governors to take similarly bold, pro-people stance.

    “The southern governors are calling the President to speak to Nigeria because they feel that as the leader of the nation, when the nation is in crisis, the leader ought to rise to the occasion, his words bring succour, his words bring direction, his words speak to certain situations that ordinarily will not regard just any other person: in situations like this, the President should rise and speak.”

    “It is now for our brothers from the north to see beyond partisanship, to see beyond ethnicity, religion and adopt the procedure that has been laid down,” Yusuf stated.

    Commenting further, he demanded a review of the method used in sharing monthly statutory revenues to states across the country, noting that it discourages innovative economic solutions in various states.

    According to Yusuf, state governments’ over-dependence on the federal statutory Allocations is part of reasons why the country is going through economic and security challenges.

    “Part of the reason why we have insecurity is because the center has so much and people feel encouraged to come from outside Nigeria – people who are not Nigerians.

    “I make bold to say lots of these criminals are people who come to Nigeria in the aftermath of the crisis in the Sahara regions of Africa; so many assume that the money in Abuja is free money.”

    He also called on state governments to exercise optimal authority over their resources, independently explore innovative means of revenue-generation and prioritize issues that are of major concern to citizens in their respective states.

  • Northern governors allege plot to blackmail forum over Pantami

    Northern governors allege plot to blackmail forum over Pantami

    The Northern States Governor’s Forum says it has uncovered a plans by a shadow group to engage in a smear campaign against the forum as well as its chairman and governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong.

    This was revealed in a statement by spokesman to the governor, Dr. Makut Simon Macham.

    The forum expressed disgust over campaign of calumny in which the group has gone, to the extent of printing and circulating posters to the effect that it is supporting the Minister of Communication Technology and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami over some statements he is said to have made in the past.

    The uncovered plan shows that those behind the propaganda publication are political interests that are bent on dragging the forum into the controversy by widely circulating the posters on social media and pasting same across the country with a view to tarnishing the image of the body and its members.

    For the avoidance of doubt, the forum wishes to state that it has no intention of being dragged into the matter, as the minister has provided his response to the issue which does not need the validation or denial of the forum.

    The statement further adviced members of the public to beware of the antics of such sponsored mischief makers and should therefore disregard such propaganda posters, which only intend to serve the selfish interests of those behind them.

  • Photos: Buhari meets Northern governors in Abuja

    Photos: Buhari meets Northern governors in Abuja

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday met with Northern governors behind closed door’ at the State House, Abuja.

    The governors were led by the Northern Governors’ Forum Chairman, Simon Lalong.

    Some of the governors at the meeting were Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi); Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna); Mai Mala Buni(Yobe); Abubakar Bello(Niger) and Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa).

    The meeting might not be unconnected with raging insecurity in the north.

    Photos:

  • Ex-Gov Aliyu confirms all 19 Northern Governors worked against Jonathan in 2015, gives reasons

    Ex-Gov Aliyu confirms all 19 Northern Governors worked against Jonathan in 2015, gives reasons

    Former governor of Niger State, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu on Friday said that northern governors rose against former President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term bid in 2015 because of the perceived threat of his victory to the north.

    Aliyu said in Minna that the northern governors felt at the time that their part of the country stood in a disadvantaged position and would be shortchanged if Jonathan won reelection.

    He claimed that Jonathan had earlier reached an agreement with the north to complete what was left of the tenure of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua and then run for only one term.

    He said the ex-president’s insistence on going for another term in 2015 was against the agreement he had with the northern governors.

    “Following the sudden passage of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua on May 5, 2010, the leadership of the then governing Peoples Democratic Party along with the state governors under the flagship of the party had series of meetings on the presidency and the future of our great party,” he said.

    “All the governors in the north under the PDP supported the then Vice President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to complete the remaining years of Yar’Adua’s tenure and to contest the next presidential election as a sole candidate of our great party.

    “However, midway, President Goodluck Jonathan insisted to run for the office in 2015 against the grain of our earlier agreement.

    “Since this was against the grain of our earlier agreement in the party, and which we the governors in the north felt the North would have been shortchanged if Jonathan had succeeded, we rose stoutly to insist on the agreement we all had.

    “On that premise, we opposed Jonathan. But all along, Goodluck Jonathan had enjoyed every support from the governors in the north and the entire region.”

    The former governor said it was wrong for anyone to say that he opposed Goodluck Jonathan.

    Aliyu added that as the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum then, it was his responsibility to tell the people about the stand of the governors.

    Aliyu’s words: “As Chairman of the 19 Northern States Governors Forum, the task was on my shoulders to voice out the position of the North which stood disadvantaged by the demise of Alhaji Musa Yar’Adua and the insistence that Jonathan should run for the office of president in 2015.

    “We acted in good spirit and argued our points based on principle and on the subsisting agreement we had with Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. That agreement was written and accepted by all.”

  • Northern Governors to new IGP: Adopt proactive measures to tackle insecurity

    Northern Governors to new IGP: Adopt proactive measures to tackle insecurity

    The Northern Governors Forum has urged the Acting Inspector General (IG) of Police, Usman Baba, to take proactive measures in tackling crimes in the country.

    The Chairman of the forum, Simon Lalong, made the call in a congratulatory message to the acting IG by his Director of Press and Public Affairs Dr. Makut Macham, on Saturday in Jos.

    The Plateau Governor said the forum would give Baba all the necessary support to enable him to provide the leadership needed for implementing proactive policing for the safety of lives and property.

    He said Baba’s appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari was well deserved, considering his track record of diligent service to the nation, across various police formations in the country.

    He said: “As northern governors, we remain committed to community policing and any other measure that will lead to securing our region which has been bedeviled by different forms of insecurity.

    “We must work together to adopt new measures that will enable us to overcome these challenges and remain on top of the situation by preventing criminals from carrying out their nefarious activities.”

    Lalong said the forum was particularly concerned that many farmers in the region were discouraged from cultivating their farms because of criminal activities.
    The forum’s chairman urged the police boss to bring an end to banditary, kidnapping and insurgency in the country.

    He wished Baba a successful tenure and called on Nigerians to support him and the entire security architecture of the country for a more secured nation.