The faction of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum being led by the Governor of Plateau State, Mr. Jonah Jang, is on the verge of opening its secretariat.
The secretariat, which is going to be at Maitama District of Abuja, is to be headed by an administrator, Mr. Osaro Onaiwu.
Sources close to the faction said the decision to open a separate office was because of the refusal of the Chairman of the Forum, who is also the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, to allow Jang assume office.
Amaechi was declared the winner of the NGF election, which was held in Abuja on Friday with 19 votes against Jang, who scored 16 votes.
Onaiwu, who confirmed the story, said he would be in office pending the appointment of a director general to head the office.
“Yes, I will be the administrator of the office pending the appointment of a director general who will head the office,” he said.
When contacted, the Director-General of the NGF, Mr. Asishana Okauru, said he was not in Abuja and would not be able to comment on the matter.
Meanwhile, a group has applauded the Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, for reportedly setting the record straight regarding the current imbroglio rocking the Nigeria Governor’s Forum.
A group, The National Democratic Frontiers, said with the explanation of Obi on what led to the emergence of Jang as the “Chairman” of the Forum, it was clear that some forces were behind what it called the “rebellious attitude of Amaechi” against the forum in particular and by extension his party , the Peoples Democratic Party.”
In a statement in Abuja on Monday, by its President, Jubril Shema and Secretary, Donald Ojobo, the group said it was curious that a body that did not have the tradition of holding elections to pick its chairman, would suddenly make a U-turn and insist on an election with the incumbent chairman as the arrowhead of such agitation.
Meanwhile, Jang has restated his resolve along with his colleagues to work and strengthen the bond of unity in NGF.
A statement by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Mr. James Mannock, on Monday, quoted Jang as saying the NGF was a family in which there was no issue that could not be resolved or settled among them as family members.
He stressed that the modalities for this reconciliation were being implemented with the result of which more governors were making solidarity calls to him and pledging their cooperation.
He appreciated his colleagues for the confidence reposed in him and urged the forum to be driven by the collective desire to build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.