AMAECHI ELECTED AS CHAIRMAN OF NIGERIA GOVERNORS’ FORUM

Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers state defeated his Plateau state counterpart in NGF election by winning 19-16 votes. However Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau state protested and declared himself the winner of the election. Unlike the peaceful atmosphere and good spirit that normally followed the election of the chairman of NGF, this was different as there were accusations of irregularities and bad blood. It was unexpected due to scheming and underground moves that trailed disaffection of the power that be in PDP with the incumbent Amaechi. The governor was short of being found guilty of anti party activities following his romance with other governors outside of the PDP.

During the period of in-fighting in the party over Amaechi’s activities, at a point another governor who was well known for grandiose spending was elected as chairman of PDP governors’ forum. The reason why Amaechi won the election could be closely linked to his popularity among the progressive governors even outside the PDP. The governor commands respect among governors of his party and this could have swayed the vote in his favour.

The big question now is whether PDP and the presidency will accept this man that they have vilified with almost every instrument of state that they can muster as the chairman of NGF. Among his many sins is his adamant posture on sharing and use of Sovereign Wealth Fund. Talking about the Sovereign Wealth Fund, lately about $1bn is to be shared by way of investment in key infrastructure soon.NSM will get you posted as events unfolds.