Amaechi`s NGF commends FG`s efforts at curbing insurgencies

(Nigeria) The  Rotimi Amaechi-led Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, on Tuesday commended the Federal Government efforts at curbing Boko Haram insurgents in the north.

The forum gave the commendation at its emergency meeting which ended at the early hours of Tuesday in Abuja.

While condemning the current spate of killings in the North- East, it applauded the effort of the Nigerian military and other security agencies, which were tackling the insurgents.

Amaechi, who read the communiqué to newsmen, called on the Federal Government to be more responsive to the people.

``We expect that the Federal Government should wake up to its responsibility of protecting lives and property in the country, especially in the North-East,’’ he said.

The forum expressed support for the call by the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and the Senate, for a forensic audit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC account.

Amaechi reiterated the forum concern on the non-conveyance of the National Economic Council, NEC, meeting by the Federal Government.

According to him, the NEC meeting has not been held for seven months, this he said, has hindered the constitutional opportunity to discuss the state of the nation’s economy.

He appealed to the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, to accelerate hearing on constitutional cases such as the case of the Excess Crude Account and illegal deduction of oil subsidy.

He described the impeachment move against Goverenor Tanko Al- Makura of Nasarawa State, as a renewed assault on constitutional democracy.

NGF is an umbrella association of the 36 elected state governors of the federation, irrespective of party affiliation.

The meeting was attended by governors of Rivers, Nasarawa, Sokoto, Adamawa, Kano, Lagos and Imo, while Osun, Borno and Edo were represented by their deputies.

Sen. Bokola Saraki, a former governor of Kwara State, also made a brief appearance at the meeting.