KWARA State governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq is the new Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF).
Abdulrasaq replaced Sokoto State governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, whose tenure as governor expires on May 29.
This was disclosed in a communique released after the seventh emergency meeting of the NGF, which took place on Tuesday, May 23, in Abuja.
The communique, signed by Tambuwal, stated that Abdulrazaq was elected by consensus.
Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, was chosen to serve as the Forum’s vice chairman
“The Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, emerged as the new Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum through a consensus, and the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, is now the vice chairman.
“Members expressed satisfaction with the success of the just concluded induction for new and returning governors that took place between 14th and 19th of May, 2023,” parts of the communiqué read.
In a related development, Abdulrasaq, on Wednesday, May 24, assured of his commitment to the NGF’s ideals and vision.
The Kwara governor spoke in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Rafiu Ajakaye, in Ilorin.
“I want to thank Allah, exalted is He, for the historic event in which my brother Governors bestowed upon me the Chairmanship of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).
“I hereby pledge to uphold the ideals and vision of the NGF whilst recognising and appreciating the eminent track record of the institution as a most credible, authoritative, influential and effective inter-party platform for consensus building and peaceful resolution and advancement of pan-Nigeria goals, interests and aspirations.
“l will ensure regular consultation with all members in order to arrive at a consensus on all issues for the advancement and promotion of national interest, peace, progress, and stability of the nation,” Abdulrasaq said.
The ICIR reported that Tambuwal became the Chairman of the NGF in September 2022, replacing his Ekiti State counterpart, Kayode Fayemi.
Until then, Tambuwal was vice chairman of the Forum.
Fayemi became chairman of the NGF in May 2019 after taking over from former Zamfara State governor Abdulaziz Yari.
Fayemi was elected through consensus after he was nominated by Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir El-rufai. The nomination was seconded by Delta State governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum is a non-partisan platform that was created to enhance collaboration among executive governors in the country.
The 36 state governors of the federation make up the NGF.
A reporter with the ICIR
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