NGF AND THE FUTURE OF NIGERIA
The leadership of the forum is clearly discernible. But there is more to do
In the past few months, Nigerians have searched for a consensus that addresses our diversity and potential. This is in reaction to the real and imagined forces that seek to break the country. The spread and depth of insecurity which has manifested in banditry, terrorism and kidnapping across the country have threatened livelihoods, social cohesion and created ripples on the political scene. In the process, we have seen the southern governors meet to discuss and agree on certain positions. Same for the northern governors. In this landscape of disparate voices, there is a threat to national unity and progress.
Indeed, it is without a debate that this country is pulling at the seams because of a failure to lead at the centre. That has engendered a situation in which some people are pushing to pull the nation apart, especially at the ethno-regional level of geopolitical zones. But the country cannot afford to continue treading this path. We need a conversation on a template of civility and mutual respect. Sadly, the institutions that should make this happen have themselves become mired in the divisive politics of the time. Yet, we can look to certain bright spots in our current challenges that offer opportunities for engagement such as the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).
It is noteworthy that many of the governors in the 36 states have become moderating voices in the current conversations about the future of our country. This makes the NGF a potential actor in the drive to amplify the voice of reason and make the engagement more productive. The NGF has had a chequered history, having been divided and coloured by partisanship at different times. At one time it had two chairmen, which reflected the disputes at the level of the political elite. However, it is commendable that at a time when the country is at its ebb in terms of divisive messaging from political and separatist actors, the NGF has managed to maintain its unity and togetherness. That provides hope that political leaders can stay together and find common ground on what ails our country. Today’s NGF leadership provides a ready template for the effective management of our diversity be they regional, religious, tribal, or partisan.
That there are different groups of states coalescing around varied subjects, some in conflict to the other, and yet still unite on a common goal is a testimony to leadership. This is the first time the NGF has operated for over a year without controversy along partisan or regional lines. Much of the credit for that is due to the carriage, stature, and leadership of Dr Kayode Fayemi, Governor of Ekiti State, who over the past year has steered the forum in such a manner as to make it stay on message, while maintaining a semblance of oneness and inclusiveness. Under Fayemi, we have seen the NGF intervene in the fiscal crisis that held several states down, in positively addressing the Covid-19 pandemic, and providing succour for the vulnerable as part of the Covid-19 action plan in concert with the private sector. The decisions of the NGF to collectively support post Covid -19 recovery efforts as a collective action is a case in point. But the forum can do more.
The NGF should be at the centre of the current engagement on devolution of powers, true federalism, cross-border insecurity, herdsmen-farmer clashes, and several other contending issues. The governors should take the conversation away from ethnic entrepreneurs who only muddle the waters. It is good to note that the Forum has been very active, but Nigerians want to see more engagement on the issues that threaten to pull us apart as a nation.
