The nation’s 36 states’ governors have scheduled a meeting for Wednesday to strategize on ways to address the degenerating security situation nationwide.
The teleconference planned to commence at 2pm, will be preceded by a strategic meeting today by the security sub-committee of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).
NGF’s spokesman, Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo said the meeting is informed the recent attack on the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum by suspected bolo haram members.
Bello-Barkindo said: “The rapidly degenerating security situation in the country will feature very prominently when governors meet tomorrow for their 14th NGF teleconference meeting, according to the invitation sent out to governors by the Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, (NGF), Mr Asishana Bayo Okauru.
“Not unexpectedly, in line with the security and policing swamp that the country has found itself, the attack on Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum will be tabled for discussion just as the state governors will also preview a webinar which comes up on the 11 of August, driven through a partnership of the Nigeria Governors Forum and the Centre for Value in Leadership, (CVL) led by Professor Pat Utomi.
“One such webinar had taken place last month where the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo- x-rayed “insecurity and the challenges of governance and leadership in the new normal,” as it affects his state.
“That too will come under the governors’ searchlight.
“Tomorrow’s meeting will commence at 2 pm prompt but the virtual platform will be open to joining an hour earlier.
“The flag-off and launch of the distribution of palliatives by the Coalition Against COVID19, (CACOVID), populated by the likes of Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Access Bank along with other well-meaning philanthropists, in the states will also be addressed, as well as the issue of yet to be accessed funds at UBEC. “Still on education, the governors will review the resumption of schools and its roll-out plan.
Apart from security and education, the permanent items on the Teleconferences since the pandemic, health and the economy will also make it to the table.
“The Governor Ifeanyi Okowa Committee of the NGF which interfaces with the Presidential Task Force on the Pandemic will brief the governors on progress so far before the governors discuss the economy.
“Under this item, progress on the States’ Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability program SFTAS will be thrashed.
“There will also be updated on the restructuring of states’ loans tomorrow.
“All of the above will be followed by any other business before the meeting comes to a close.”
