The northern governors’ forum says the position of their
southern counterparts, that the next president must come from the south,
contradicts the provisions of the constitution.
The forum stated its position on Monday, after a meeting
held in Kaduna.
Southern governors have repeatedly insisted that power must
shift to their region.
At separate meetings held on July 5 — in Lagos — and
September 16 — in Enugu — the southern governors said the next presidency
should be zoned to their region.
However, in a communique signed by Simon Lalong, governor of
Plateau and chairman of the northern governors’ forum, the governors said the
position of their colleagues in the south is “condemnable”.
“The Forum observed that some Northern State Governors had
earlier expressed views for a power-shift to three geopolitical zones in the
South with a view to promoting unity and peace in the nation. Notwithstanding
their comments, the Forum unanimously condemns the statement by the Southern
Governors Forum that the Presidency must go to the South,” the communique
reads.
“The statement is quite contradictory with the provision of
the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended, that the
elected President shall: score the majority votes; score at least 25% of the
votes cast in 2/3 States of the Federation. In the case of run-up, simple
majority wins the election.”
The northern governors commended security agencies for their
efforts in the region, adding that there is a need to sustain collaborations
between the federal government and northern states for improved security.
“The Forum reviewed security updates from the Region and
observed the need for sustained synergy and coordinated efforts between the
Federal and Northern State Governments, while noting success of recent
measures,” Lalong said.
“The Forum appreciated the ongoing onslaught against
banditry, kidnapping and Boko Haram, especially in the North East and parts of
North West and North Central States, and encouraged the Armed forces and other
security agencies to sustain the tempo to enable the security challenges be
permanently addressed in the shortest time.”
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