.North Central Governors’ forum disassociates self from NCPF
By Ummi Ismaeel,
Minna
Niger State government has distributed CACOVID palliatives to 47, 611 households in 274 wards almost six month after lockdown.
This followed the general outcry and condemnation of the state government over continued withholding of the items.
At the flag-off of the distribution of the items, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello explained that the beneficiaries of the palliative were selected from the 25 local governments of the state.
Bello, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, and chairman of the state taskforce on COVID-19 performed the flag-off.
He expressed the hope that the beneficiaries would make judicious use of the funds and items donated to the state, while commending the donors for the kind gesture.
The items distributed included; 47,611 of semivita, pastes, 5kg of sugar, 11kg of salt, 10kg of rice and 95,222 of noddles for the 47,611 benefitting house holds in the state.
Presenting CACOVID items to the state government, Alhaji Jamilu Mohammed Gidado said that the gesture was from the private sector which assisted Nigerians on the effect of COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the globe.
Responding, a beneficiary, Ramatu Ibrahim, on behalf of others expressed appreciation to the donors and Niger State government for the kind gesture while she prayed for the quick end of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, North Central Governors’ Forum (NCGF) has disassociate it self from a group, North Central Peoples Forum (NCPF), clamoring for a breakaway from the core northern agenda.
The NCGF, rising from a virtual meeting, presided over by its Chairman and Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubarkar Sani Bello, said that the North Central Peoples Forum remained an imagination of those behind it.
A statement by the NCGF Chairman, Alhaji Abubarkar Sani Bello, pointed out that after exhaustive deliberations, the governors from the north central states reached as follows:
That members of the North-Central Governors’ Forum were never consulted collectively or individually by those behind the emergence of the North Central Peoples Forum but only saw the news in the media.
Governors of the North Central region were never consulted or carried along hence cannot identify with the group.
“We are yet to be briefed about the objectives of the North Central Peoples Forum.
“Wish to state categorically that the Governors in the region are not part of the North Central Peoples Forum and shall not participate in its activities”.
The statement further argued, “We recognise the constitutional right of individuals and groups such as the North Central Peoples Forum to form lawful associations and pursue their aspirations.
“We reaffirm that as the North Central Governors we believe and are committed towards the oneness of the 19 northern states.
“We also remain strongly committed towards the objectives of the Northern Governors Forum under the leadership of Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State”.
According to him, the North Central Governors Forum shall continue to work for the sustainable socio-economic development of the North Central region and the progress of its people.
The statement however added: “The North Central Governors Forum shall continue to welcome views, suggestions, ideas and recommendations that seek to promote the unity and development of the North central states and by extension the entire Northern region”.
