Hosts Departing NGF Chair, Two Others

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to partner with the Ministry of Water Resources to work out a solution to the flood crisis currently wreaking havoc across states of the federation.

The President, who spoke yesterday when he hosted the outgoing Chairman of the NGF, Dr. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, the incoming Interim Chairman, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State and the Interim Deputy Chairman, Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, also told the governors to escalate their conclusions to the Federal Government so as to appropriately send needed aid to the victims.

“Governors under the auspices of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have been encouraged to meet with the Minister of Water Resources, who has “worked hard on dams and water resources in the country,” to fashion out solutions, and then escalate their conclusions to the Federal Government to alleviate the plight of people currently being ravaged by flood round the country,” a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said.

The statement noted that the governors had raised concern that lives have been lost, homes and farmlands washed away in states like Kogi, Yobe, Jigawa and many others and asked for Federal Government’s intervention in terms of special funding.

Tambuwal said the flooding creates a frightening scenario for food security, “and we need to plan ahead for dry season farming,” while Bagudu counseled that it was not the time to squeeze credit for the agricultural sector because of the peculiar challenges.

President Buhari said after the engagement with the relevant Minister, a report should be sent in, “and we will see what to do.”
Governor Fayemi, who would exit office in about nine days, personally thanked the President for his support to him as Ekiti State helmsman and for the governors collectively.

“You always accorded us due regard. You accommodated us, and listened to our pleas. You were always there for us when we had challenges, either individually or collectively. We owe you a debt of gratitude,” the outgoing NGF chairman said.