The Forum of Former Governors (Class of 99) held its regular meeting on Wednesday 12th July 2017. The meeting was convened in an effort to add our voice, and lend support, to all the efforts that are being made to mellow down the rising tempo of menacing rhetoric that has occupied the public space recently. Conscious of the grave dangers that this has posed, the meeting was opened up for attendance by other past governors outside the class of 99.
In its deliberations, the Forum expressed its appreciation to the Acting President for quickly summoning various stakeholders in an effort to contain the looming danger. In condemning both the agitators for the breakup of the country and those who reacted by issuing the quit notice, the Forum affirmed its belief in the continued existence of Nigeria as one indissoluble entity and also in the inalienable right of every citizen of this country to live securely, without fear or risk of any form of molestation in whatever part of the country he chooses.
The Forum observed with concern the failure or refusal of the Leaders and Elders on both sides to quickly rein in their youths. It went further to emphasize the need for every effort to be made to ensure that peace and good order is maintained; that there is no incident that could trigger a violent reaction.
The meeting fully appreciated those individuals, Group and Organization that have issued reconciliatory statements and acted in various other ways to avert danger, but felt that a lot more needs to be done. The Forum, therefore, recommended that the following additional steps be taken;
1. That governors of South-East states should engage the disenchanted youths in their states with a view to diffusing tension.
2. That the current Governors Forum should meet and caution both the agitators in the South-East and the reactors in the North and call for decorum.
3. That the Elders and Leaders of thought from both the South-East and the North should jointly meet to state a common position. We further recommend that Traditional Rulers from the two areas should do same.
4. That the Acting President convenes a joint meeting of the various stakeholders at which assurances can be given.
The Forum believes that no sacrifice is too much to avert chaos, prevent any further incidence of criminality, protect human lives and spare the life of this country.
*Statement signed by the Chairman, Lucky Igbinedion; Secretary, Adeniyi Adebayo; Orji Uzor Kalu, Publicity Secretary on behalf of former governors.
