…WARN AGAINST PLAN TO DEPRIVE STATES OF $419 LONDON/PARIS CLUB REFUND
The Nigerian Governors Forum has raised the alarm over the increasing spate of insecurity, political and economic uncertainties in the country.
The 36 state governors called for immediate action to address the disturbing issues of heavy financial losses, which they said can cripple government business.
The Chairman of NGF and Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, represented by his Plateau counterpart, Simon Lalong, spoke at the maiden meeting of the 36 states attorney generals of the federation with the NGF in Abuja on Monday.
Fayemi said that the offices of 36 attorney generals have been on the red alert to ensure that the states are not made victims of frivolous orders in the face of the precarious financial and political situation.
“In ensuring that the state is not ambushed through frivolous cases/ Court Orders that may lead to heavy financial losses and grounding of Government business, we do not doubt that this meeting would afford you the opportunity to seek solutions.” He said
Fayemi who also spoke on the issue of autonomy for the legislature and the judiciary said that while the governors are not opposed to it, they should play a central role in its implementation,
“You are all aware of the controversy occasioned by the question of the autonomy of the Judiciary and Legislature.
“The Forum has often been in support of autonomy, but we felt that the onus was on the States to determine and implement it.
“It is therefore expedient that as chief law officers, you exercise the right to review and monitor the extent of implementation in your States,” he added.
He reminded the attorney generals of the burning issues affecting the states including “the administration of our criminal justice system, Stamp Duties, Value Added Tax, the fallout from the London Paris Club Refunds culminating in the criminal bid to deprive States of $419m.”
He stated further that the NGF has given the needed priority to engage stakeholders through its Peace and Inclusive Security Initiative to ensure that some of the security challenges affecting states are looked into and peace restored to communities.
