Nigerian Governors Challenge Finance Minister

Federal Republic of Nigeria Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala's mother was abducted at the family's home on December 9, 2012. President Jonathan has ordered a national manhunt but no contact has been made by the culprits with the family., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

Governors to Okonjo-Iweala: resign or manage economy well

Posted by: Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja
The Nation, Nigeria

• Pro-Jang governors shun NGF meeting

The Nigeria Governors Forum led by Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi yesterday urged Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the economy Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to resign or manage the economy well.

The Forum said her non-compliance with the revenue projection of the 2013 budget was a direct breach of the Appropriation Act.

The governors also pointed out that the National Economic Council (NEC) is the right body to manage the economy and not the Economic Management Team (EMT).

Reading the communique at the end of the meeting yesterday, Amaechi said: “The non compliance with the revenue projections of the Federal Government of Nigeria 2013 Budget is a direct breach of the provisions of the Appropriation Act 2013. Members expressed concern in the management of the economy by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy and called for a strict adherence to the Appropriation Act 2013, failing which she should resign.

“Forum observed that National Economic Council (NEC) is constitutionally responsible for the management of the economy and should be used for that purpose as opposed to the Economic Management Team (EMT) constituted by the Presidency.

“We reiterate our earlier call to the National Assembly for the separation of the office of the Accountant General of the Federation from that of the Accountant General of the Federal Government for accountability and better management of the economy.”

He added: “After review of the Polio situation in the country, members recognised that some progress has been made in 2013 compared to 2012. Forum enjoined all governors to remain focussed and continue to drive the programme in their respective states until polio is completely eradicated.”

“Members expressed condolence to Dame Patience Jonathan for the loss of her mother, Governor Fashola for the loss of his father and the family of the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu, former Governor of Ondo State.”

“Finally, it was resolved that the Forum will hold a Nigeria Governors’ Forum Retreat in November, 2013.”

But indications emerged yesterday night that reconciliatory efforts to resolve the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was not yielding results as governors loyal to Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang’s led faction stayed away from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) meeting chaired by Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.

The governors who attended the meeting last night included Aliyu Wamako (Sokoto), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara), Abdulafatah Ahmed (Kwara).
Others include Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Sule Lamido (Jigawa).

Also at the meeting last night were Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti)
Deputy governors from Edo, Borno and Nasarawa also attended the meeting.