THE UNMAKING OF NIGERIA GOVERNORS FORUM

Rotimi Amaechi

With the crisis now trailing the re-election of the Rivers State Governor, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, as chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and the emergence of his Plateau State counterpart, Chief Jonah Jang, as factional chairman of the forum, the Nigerian governors may have put their own ‘baby’ in serious but avoidable danger.

The tension in Abuja last Friday was palpable. It was a battle of the governors and the president. A lot was no doubt at stake as the governors subjected themselves to democratic test, the first of its kind in the history of the forum. On the one side was President Goodluck Jonathan and his loyal governor-friends while on the other side of the pitch was the Rivers State Governor and incumbent chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, and his team.

In contention was the NGF chairmanship seat. While Amaechi sought re-election against the wish of the establishment, the president and his team craved for change in an obvious distaste for the Amaechi leadership. The president and his men considered this a battle of political survival, the outcome of which would dictate the shape of things to come. On the contrary, Amaechi and his camp would rather the struggle was informed by the need to entrench democratic tenets, albeit at their micro level, believing it would ultimately have a defining effect on the larger polity. And so, the stage was set.

Preceding the Friday election was an array of shenanigans, horse-trading, mudslinging and even threats that rattled the ordinary observer. Particularly hit by this untoward trend was Amaechi and his state, Rivers. The Governor was literally stripped of touch with the police such that portended grave security implications for the state. The state House of Assembly was not spared in the onslaught. The supremacy battle also informed the shutting down of Obio/Akpor local government area of the state by the police, which though later promised to act properly.

Unfortunately, such manifestations were instructive for Amaechi. Even when many people had canvassed that he stepped down and gave peace a chance, political analysts knew that any such thing would be suicidal, politically. He was faced with a somewhat mean opposition which would stop at nothing to decimate him and whatever he represents. These and more were the reasons the tension was nerve racking in the capital city last Friday.

The NGF…A Background
For the records, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) is a coalition of the elected Governors of the country’s 36 States and it is by formation, a non-partisan association which seeks to promote unity, good governance, better understanding and co-operation among the States as well as ensure a healthy and beneficial relationship between the States and other tiers of government.

The Forum was established in 1999 following a multi-party conference of all the 36 democratically elected Governors. Subsequently, the forum was registered under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, (CAMA), 1990, and draws its legality from Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Since 1999 that it was established, the forum has had many chairmen starting with Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu, former governor of Nasarawa State who was in office from 1999 to 2004 and succeeded by Victor Attah of Akwa Ibom State, from 2004 to 2006, who in turn handed over to    Mr. Lucky Igbinedion of Edo State in 2006. Igbinedion was in office till 2007 when another election held. 

Afterwards, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, former Kwara State governor took over in 2007 and was there till 2011 when Amaechi took over.

From leadership to leadership, the NGF has its vision and mission which guide its activities and dictate its positions on issues of national interest. While the vision statement illustrates, in a single sentence, “an effective, proactive, inclusive, non-partisan forum which actively fosters, promotes and sustains democratic values, good governance and sustainable development in Nigeria,” its mission statement clearly seeks “to provide a platform for collaboration amongst the Executive Governors on matters of public policy; to promote good governance, sharing of good practice and to enhance cooperation at State level and with other arms of government and society.”

Ahead of Last Friday’s Election

Since it was certain that more than a passing interest was at stake, the two camps had swung into action in the bid to outdo each other. This was characterised by the various meetings held ahead of the poll where it was expected that the discontent amongst the govermors would have been contained.

First was the meeting of the Northern State Governors’ Forum which held at the lodge of its chairman, Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State but ended in a deadlock because the Katsina State Governor, Ibrahim Shema, and his Bauchi State counterpart, Isa Yuguda, refused to step down.

It was at the meeting that some governors believed to be loyal to both Jonathan and Amaechi mooted the idea that both Shema and Yuguda should withdraw from the race and pave the way for a neutral candidate in the person of Jonah Jang of Plateau State. This idea, some believed was thrown in the mix because Jang was considered a weak candidate that would be unable to give Amaechi a good fight. But some people have dismissed the postulation saying it was a decision that came about because both Shema and Yuguda refused to shift grounds and that a weak candidate could not have polled 16 votes.

Thus, the Jang idea was allegedly mooted by the Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam and his Kano State counterpart, Rabiu Kwankwaso. While Suswam was loyal to the president, Kwankwaso was Amaechi’s man as far as the election was concerned. The choice of jang, therefore, might have come up genuinely to ease tension. It was the reason observers believed the idea was an error of calculation as against a deliberate attempt to pave the way for Amaechi’s re-election.

Having failed to reach an agreement at the Northern Governors’ Forum, the governors proceeded to their next meeting which held at the Akwa Ibom State Governor's Lodge being members of the PDP family. It was there that Jang was eventually presented as the consensus candidate, when it became clear that neither Shema nor Yuguda was willing to let go.

But given that the PDP governors had earlier resolved to present a common candidate that would run against Amaechi, both Shema and Yuguda then yielded to “reason” and set aside their ambition and then, the lot fell on Jang. Indeed, according to reports, Shema and Yuguda left the Akwa Ibom State lodge in the same car, an indication that their differences had been resolved.

While the PDP governors met at the Akwa Ibom lodge, the opposition governors also had their meeting at the Lagos State Governor’s Lodge where they perfected their strategy before going for the NGF election. Both Governor Babatunde Fashola and his Ekiti brother, Kayode Fayemi, were said to have gone into the “enemies camp” to campaign for Amaechi, justifying why it must not go the other way and the implications it held for the NGF. To understand the extent they went, they were the ones who allegedly informed Shema that he had been dropped for Yuguda in the bid to defeat Amaechi.

Although, the progressive governors who contended that there was nothing more in the struggle for them other than the need to preserve the sanctity of the forum, noted that the struggle to get Amaechi re-elected was a tough one which required more than just speaking to colleagues but carried out serious issue-based campaign that convinced many who later pitched tent with them and tagged along with the Amaechi leadership.

From the Lagos House, Abuja, the progressive governors left for the venue of the NGF election which was the Rivers lodge in Asokoro at about 4.40pm where others were already waiting. The opposition governors were led by Fashola.

The election proper was presided over by the director-general of the NGF, Mr. Oshisana Okauru. At the start of the exercise, there was no indication that Amaechi was going to win as his votes did not start to count until Jang had recorded 15 votes before the Rivers Governor caught up with him and then surpassed him.

Jang and the Jesters
Not a few was surprised that the outcome of the NGF election would end up in controversy. Observers may have been compelled to come to terms with the reality that the penchant for rejecting election results at whatever level is a Nigerian thing. It was in the same spirit that Jang and his colleagues turned down the result of an exercise they fully participated in.

It was evident from the excuse advanced by Jang and his team that they were not prepared for an election but an affirmation to impose a candidate- some presidential stooge on the forum. Jang, while deploring the election, argued that the result was not consistent with the fact that he had been endorsed by 18 governors from the North before voting commenced.

Hear him: “I was endorsed by 18 governors before the election. How come I did not win?" he queried, noting also that Amaechi ought to have resigned before the election. Why? Because he (Jang) was the choice of the establishment! But it did not occur to the Plateau Governor that many of his colleagues might have coasted along with him while at the same time held a completely different view from what the ‘rebel clique’ had resolved to do.

That apart, there were those who wondered why Jang whose state was constantly in crisis of insecurity and who observers alleged has not been happy with Jonathan for sometime over the handling of the security situation in his state suddenly bought into the idea of being the president’s NGF chairman. Not particularly popular amongst his colleagues by virtue of his disposition, observers described as disturbing, the fact that age was not also on his side and as such, combining the work of the NGF and the state could be too demanding of an old man except he would be there just to do a yes man’s job.

Observers also see the rejection of the result as un-gubernatorial and unbefitting of their persons as leaders at their respective levels. They not only participated in the exercise by choice, the process was transparent and devoid of any abracadabra that could have necessitated their revolt. They were no more than timely examples of what leadership ought not to be in decent climes, observers noted.

Sadly, the old man and his younger colleagues have begun to tread on a path that would eventually unmake the forum and completely run it aground but place them in ‘vantage position’ in history. Following an unstatesmanly press conference where Jang illegally declared himself chairman of the forum, the deviant governors are believed to have bought into the killing of their ‘baby’ since their attempt to abort the pregnancy after the baby had been born was rebuffed, albeit democratically.

Unknown to them, what Governors Jang, Godswill Akpabio, Olusegun Mimiko, Isa Yuguda, Peter Obi, Gabriel Suswam, Liyel Imoke, Seriake Dickson and the likes are doing to NGF is not peculiar to that forum alone; their actions sure have representative implications on the body polity, the repercussion of which they have deliberately looked away from.

Mimiko’s Disappointing Showing
Worthy of mention in all of this was the attitudinal disposition of the Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, who reportedly withdrew from the election into the position of NGF vice chairman. Mimiko stunned many to say the least. Obviously, Mimiko had done this to please the president and show that he was with him 100 per cent. But coming from a Governor who enjoyed unequalled public goodwill on the grounds of perceived democratic credentials, he was one of those who acted in bad faith and below expectations of a man of his office and standing, knowing full well that beyond personal interest, the sanctity of the NGF should be uppermost.

It is believed that while the Ondo Governor has a right to choice which he duly exercised during the NGF election, he should have backed that up with integrity that conform to leadership expectations. But he chose not only to proclaim failure by identifying with bad losers who ignored the spirit of sportsmanship, he also sought to make good, what was clearly bad in the estimation of every rational mind. Mimiko, it was believed, failed democracy and trampled on its tenets. As a product of struggle, he betrayed basic expectations even though he reserves the right to contest or not.

Sulking ‘Governor Generous’

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, would have really surprised many and probably upped his rating if he had acted otherwise. By blindly pursuing a failed project and fighting a lost battle, he was believed to have acted true to type. What many also found appalling about the Governor of the oil-rich state was the manner in which he carried on with disregard to whatever relationship that existed between him and his colleagues, especially Amaechi. He took it too personal and at the risk of all other things.

It was bad enough that they lost the election in the glare of their colleagues and presiding officers; Akpabio regrouped his clique and disowned the process they all partook of. The dishonourable part of the drama was the resolution they started brandishing immediately they lost. They were too much in a haste to check the list, perhaps for last minute perfection and failed to strike out the name of their Yobe State counterpart, Ibrahim Geidam, who was absent.

This was why many held the view that the time may have come for Akpabio to review his demeanor, especially his dropping of the name and relationship with the president and relate with reality as it were. The Governor, many believe, is not only conceited, but carries on as if he has some special privileges that are open to him alone by doing the president’s bidding.

By going ahead the next day of the NGF election to propose an alternative platform for their rebellious group at a meeting which held at the Benue State lodge on Saturday, even when he had been compensated with the moribund PDP Governors Forum, Akpabio obviously needs to slow down and stop acting god on behalf of the president. It was sad that he could not do a thorough analysis of the situation to ascertain that a rubberstamp NGF would be one of the legacies of his generation of governors. That he has not seen it that way shows the quality of leadership he represents in terms of intellectual credentials.

Progressive Governors and their Politics
For yet another unsolicited opportunity, the progressive governors lived up to their billings as truly progressive. It is still fresh in memories how the governors who have now come together to form a merger party- the All Progressives Congress (APC) visited the crisis ravaged Borno State and took the shine off the president. The move was both politically expedient and psychologically imperative. It came at a time the people of the state needed all the moral support to survive the oppression of insurgents that had literally seized control of their area. Their visit yielded result as the president was forced to immediately slate a visit there.

This came several months after the revolution the progressive governors instigated in the House of Representatives at the birth of this dispensation in 2011. It was that revolution, against the PDP zoning arrangement that threw up the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal. Seeing ahead, they created the atmosphere for legislative independence and today, the nation is better for it.

Political affiliation aside, the progressive governors last week remained consistent in terms of their ideological standing. They understood better, the implications of the struggle for the soul of the NGF. Amaechi is PDP and they are of the opposition parties, yet, they saw the need to allow the body run independently in order to retain its allure and sanctity. That was good politics, devoid of retrogressive sentiment and in national interest. By going into the opposition camp to canvass for votes, they scored an uncommon goal and still maintained their place in national reckoning.

Reading the Handwriting
Had this report been segmented in terms of winners and losers, the number one loser in the Friday NGF election would have been the president and with collateral damage. The president played it too hard; he put so many things at stake and was not as discrete, hence he came out badly hurt.

But then, there was a lesson in it for him: the 2015 election will certainly come with an even more surprise. With a steady drop in his rating, fast fading goodwill and popularity, the president could strike as many deals as possible, what will be, will definitely be.

He should have realised that this is the age of yahoo politics which encourages voters to collect anyone’s money and elect their choice candidates. That was Mimiko’s saving grace in the October 22, 2012 election despite the subduing opposition. The president did everything humanly possible including harassment and intimidation, coupled with monetary inducement to stop Amaechi’s re-election but failed. And this was because many of the governors actually played along with him; some later reviewed their stand and acted according to their conscience.

There is no doubting the fact that Jonathan would throw his hat in the ring in 2015 but the game, even up till the day of the election would remain fluid. The 2015 election would be different and unfortunately, the president has courted too many enemies. How he intends to manage the various tendencies is up to him and his loyal governors who go about like demi-gods.

The Friday NGF election was an eye-opener and the president should learn from that, if only he could read the handwriting. Particularly instructive is the jubilation that trailed Amaechi’s re-election in some parts of the country. That didn’t come cheap and it is significant in the ensuing permutations. Therefore, his position that he had nothing to do with the crisis was an afterthought and politically naïve.
…And Amaechi Stands Tall

Obviously not new to struggle, Amaechi recorded another victory on Friday when he was returned as chairman of the NGF. It was the first time that the NGF would be this divisive and subjected itself to such a tough test. The victory, however, was not an easy bite for the Governor and his team. After weeks of persuasion, rationalisation and suasion for reason in the collective interest, Amaechi earned his victory.

But before this were the many troubles to recall. He was labeled an enemy of the president; they said he wanted the president’s job and also romancing the enemy’s camp and so was denied many things. To this battle, he lost his control of the PDP in the state even though that is now an issue left for the court to decide. His aircraft was grounded in what has come to be known as politically motivated. His assembly members were persecuted, including the speaker, Hon. Amachree Otelemaba. He was faced with threat of impeachment and even assassination. What more, the police were allegedly instructed to stop listening to him while an anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission was set after him.

Amaechi had it exceptionally rough, but survived because he was not new to such battles. As speaker, he fought a similar battle. When he was going to claim his mandate as Governor in October 2007, it was a life threatening battle. And now as NGF, it was just a routine. But it shook him. He was ruffled and emotionally taunted. Yet, he took the fall and stood tall, following a resounding victory.

Interestingly, Amaechi seemed to know what was at stake and this much, he elucidated in his acceptance speech, where he described the election as transparent and added that "power belongs to God." The Rivers Governor also promised to embark on a mission to reconcile and unify the Forum, as well as "reach out to the president". That is leadership.

"Today our democracy was tested and proven. Today, the governors have spoken with one voice reaffirming our faith in democratic governance as the hope of Nigeria’s future. We remain committed to supporting our leader, the president and commander in chief of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, to realise the development dream of all Nigerians by reducing tension, uncertainty and insecurity in our beloved country.

“We want to pledge our steadfastness and resolve, working alongside Mr. President to better the lives of our people as we render transparent and accountable stewardship,” he said.

That Amaechi stood his ground and insisted on fighting this through also showed leadership that bears responsibility. It typified tenacity and the lesson was the importance of holding on to one’s belief even if the whole world elected to be on the other side.

Observers, however, believed that governors must see themselves beyond regional classification and push for collective agenda that would continually benefit all. It should not be about which party was in power and which one was a minority. The essence of their coming together was beyond such defining indices but the need to deliver unto the people, the promises they proclaimed as leaders.
Thus, the idea of continuously rebelling against Amaechi in order to make his second coming discomforting, may ultimately turn out counter-productive. And this may not be peculiar to Amaechi alone.

So, who’s the 19th Voter?
The NGF election has come and gone with 19 votes to 16 in favour of Amaechi. But something curious has refused to go away. While there were original 18 states by the calculation of those in Amaechi’s camp who voted for him, the 19th state has remained a ghost and no one has been able to identify which of the pro-Jonathan states ‘ported’.

Here is the voting pattern: for Amaechi were Imo, Ekiti, Edo, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Adamawa, Borno, Osun, Jigawa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Sokoto, Zamfara, Rivers, Kebbi and Kwara while those that voted Jang were Benue, Taraba, Bauchi, Plateau, Ondo, Kogi, Katsina, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Kaduna, Bayelsa, Anambra, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu and Abia States.

Now, the question many seek answer to is: who cast Amaechi’s 19th vote? Certainly, no one will own up to such a betrayal, especially where the understanding had been supposedly sealed, signed and delivered with a penalty in the cooler. But is there any harm in hazarding a guess?

Although, THISDAY cannot say with a degree of authority which of the states actually ported, what appears certain is that the vote has been located between Delta and Enugu States. It’s just a guess, mind you. Maybe you should do your own findings too.

culled from www.thisdaylive.com