By Diana-Okon Effiong Calabar, June 29, 2013 Sen. Bassey Otu has described the crisis within the leadership of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) as a distraction which should be discouraged in the nation’s polity.
Otu, representing Cross River South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, stated this in an interview with journalists in Calabar.
According to Otu, the NGF does not have any relevance in the country’s political system because it is not recognised as an arm of government by the Nigerian constitution.
Otu said Gov. Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers and Gov. Jonah Jang of Plateau, the principal actors in the NGF crisis, respectively have freedom of association for mutual benefit to deliver democratic dividends to the electorate.
The senator, however, said that it was despicable for the governors to regard themselves as another arm of government, a trade union or labour leaders in Nigeria.
“To me, that forum is not necessary. Even if it is, it should be a silent platform of like minds whose objectives should be mutual for the common good of Nigerians,’’ he said.
He also stated that contrary to views held in certain quarters the National Assembly was not working at Cross purposes with the presidency each time the latter sought clarifications on national issues from the legislators.
According to him there were disagreements in that regard they were mutual and meant to harmonise the delivery of what the electorate expects from the executive and legislative arms of government in a democracy.
Otu also stated that although the creation of new states was necessary to afford agitators an opportunity for self-determination in a federating unit, the exercise should be suspended for now in view of other critical challenges facing Nigeria.
He said that state creation should be accorded a priority whenever basic infrastructures are provided in Nigeria to make states self-sufficient and crucial components of the country.
He said that what Nigeria requires now is unity for meaningful development and progress.
He said: “The country is presently faced with the problem of irregular supply of electricity from the national grid, deplorable state of the federal roads and insecurity challenges among others.
“These require remedies which when rectified will strengthen the bond of unity. What we require most is unity for peace to prevail. Peace is also a prerequisite for development and prosperity for now and in the years ahead.
Otu also advised agitators for new states to eschew bitterness and rancour while their dreams persist.
admin
