Governors elected under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday expressed serious concerns about the deteriorating security situation across the nation.
These fears are especially high for Plateau and Zamfara States where numerous Nigerians have lost their lives and property.
The governors, who met as part of the PDP Governors Forum in Abuja on Tuesday, discussed the escalating situation during a closed-door meeting that lasted five hours.
The chairman of the forum, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, delivered a statement after the meeting.
He reported that he and his fellow governors are urging the Federal Government and security agencies to step up and address the growing crisis.
Mohammed said, “The meeting noted the deteriorating security situation in the country especially the wanton destruction of lives and properties in Plateau and Zamfara States amongst other States.
“The meeting consequently advised the Federal Government and security agencies to rise to the situation and bring the situation under control.
“The meeting (also) resolved to work together and unite the Forum. The aim of the Forum is to provide a platform for peer review of issues, policies, programmes and achievements (legacy projects) of member-Governors across the PDP States.
“The meeting advised the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the security agencies, and the Federal Government to be neutral in the conduct of the off-season elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo States.
“The meeting noted the deteriorating security situation in the country especially the wanton destruction of lives and properties in Plateau and Zamfara States amongst other States.
“The meeting consequently advised the Federal Government and security agencies to rise to the situation and bring the situation under control.
“In the interim, the Forum would cooperate with the Federal Government on issues concerning the welfare of Nigerians and good governance while striving to maintain the independence and autonomy of the Forum through offering constructive criticisms where necessary.”
Mohammed speaking on why the Governor of Rivers State, Simi Fubara was absent, said the governor sent in an apology and that 12 out of the party’s 13 governors attended the meeting which was indicative of the unity they enjoy.
Mohammed also explained that the issue of a substantive National Chairman of the party was a matter for discussion at the larger party level noting that today’s meeting was for governors to rub familiarize themselves with one another and tackle other pressing national issues.