In a passionate and reflective open letter to Nigerians, elder statesman Chief (Dr.) E. K. Clark has called for the immediate suspension and reform of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), citing its evolution into a body that undermines democracy and constitutional governance.

Clark, who has been a vocal advocate for democratic principles, criticized the NGF for straying from its original mission as a platform for fostering inter-state collaboration. He highlighted its transformation into a powerful bloc that manipulates both state and federal legislative processes to serve governors’ interests rather than the people’s.

He described the NGF, which was established with the noble intent of harmonizing governance practices and serving as a bridge between tiers of government, as a noble vision gone awry. However, according to Clark, it has morphed into an entity prioritizing power over progress.

“The NGF began as a platform for dialogue and cooperation among Governors, but it has become a cabal capable of challenging constitutional order and stifling local government autonomy,” Clark wrote.

He drew parallels with the U.S. Governors’ Association, which remains focused on improving governance and crisis management, contrasting it with the NGF’s tendency for political posturing.

Clark decried the NGF’s influence over state assemblies, which he described as mere extensions of the executive. “Speakers and Assembly members are handpicked by Governors to ensure loyalty, suppressing dissent and reducing legislative independence,” he lamented.

At the federal level, the NGF’s role in steering former governors into Senate positions was also criticized. Clark argued that the Senate, rather than being a chamber of independent thought, has become a retirement haven for ex-governors, eroding its effectiveness as a check on executive power.

While critics have labelled the NGF a “notorious cabal,” Clark expressed hope for its transformation. He called for the Forum to be reimagined as a collaborative body aligned with constitutional principles, serving as a catalyst for good governance.

“Reform is not an indictment but an opportunity to rebuild and recommit,” he stated, urging the NGF to prioritize people over politics.

In a dramatic appeal, Clark proposed suspending the NGF to avert further crises between state and federal governments. He stressed that a thorough overhaul is necessary to realign the Forum with its founding mission.

“The NGF stands at a crossroads. Its survival depends on its willingness to embrace reform and align with the principles of democracy,” Clark concluded.

As the NGF faces increasing scrutiny, Clark’s appeal has added a fresh dimension to the ongoing debate about its role in Nigeria’s democracy. Whether the Forum heeds this call for reform remains to be seen, but the elder statesman’s intervention has reignited conversations about accountability and governance at all levels.

The coming weeks will reveal whether the NGF chooses redemption or risks further eroding public trust.