The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) last night met with National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who briefed them on the security challenges facing the country, highlighting, in particular, the growing momentum around the planned nationwide protests over economic hardships demanding the attention of governments’ at all cadres.
In a communiqué after a meeting of the Forum chaired by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, the Governors disclosed that the NSA committed to supporting Governors in enhancing the viability of the security architecture at the subnational level.
“The NGF received a briefing from the National Security Adviser’s (NSA) office on the current security situation in the country,” the communique read, in part, continuing: “The NSA noted the growing momentum for a planned protest demanding government attention.
“The NSA is committed to supporting the governors in improving the security architecture at the subnational level. The governors thanked the NSA and reinstated their commitment to enhance the security of lives and properties at the subnational level.”
In the meantime, the nationwide protests scheduled for August 1–10, have generated tension in the polity, eliciting varied reactions from Nigerians.
Many of the organisations that expressed interest in spearheading the campaign said the rising cost of living coupled with the people’s constant, almost endless, financial struggles, were the catalysts for the protests.
The meeting Governors’ meeting with Ribbadu touched on that growing triggered by the planned protests with the NSA assuring that everything possible would be done to maintain law and order if and when the protests take place.
Also, the communique stated that the body of Attorneys-General of the 36 States briefed the Governors on a recent Supreme Court ruling regarding the financial autonomy of local governments but, curiously, was silent on the decisions of the state executive officers.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) also addressed the Forum, discussing recent leadership changes and expressing their commitment to collaborating with States in defense of democracy and the rule of law.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate presented updates on the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Program (NHSRIP), detailing progress in the various healthcare initiatives.
Governors reaffirmed their commitment to improving health outcomes for all Nigerians.
The Forum welcomed the new Country Director of the World Bank, Ndiame Diop, who introduced ongoing state-level programmes such as HOPE (Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equality) and SPIN (Sustainable Prosperity Initiative in Nigeria), all initiatives which the governors pledged their support for.
