Ngige, Governors In Fresh Moves To Stop Fuel Price Strike

The Governors resolved to “intercede with the labour unions, the Federal Government and other stakeholders and especially call labour to exercise caution in its plan to embark on an indefinite strike action, noting that any such action will worsen the already deteriorating economic situation of the workers brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

They also resolved to set up a committee made up of the Governors of Jigawa (Chairman), Nasarawa, Ogun, Kwara, Gombe, Abia and Bayelsa states to interface with the National Economic Council (NEC), the labour unions and relevant stakeholders for the overall interest of the nation.

The governors added that NGF secretariat would provide relevant support for the committee on the details of the mechanism for deregulation put in place by the federal government.

They also agreed to call for an emergency NEC meeting as soon as the committee comes up with a common position on the deregulation of both the petroleum and power sectors, and the figures laid bare for all to see.”

The governors advised that any position taken at the meeting “should not be seen to be contrary or injurious to the position state governors have always maintained in support of deregulation.

“Governors insisted that subsidy in the petroleum sector, apart from promoting corruption in petroleum pricing and distribution, brings about loss of revenue to the three tiers of government and loss of jobs to the populace.”

On the deduction of LGAs’ allocation, the governors “expressed serious concern over deductions from the federation allocation of the 774 local governments of the country to construct and equip healthcare centres in each local government area on behalf of the Association of Local Government Areas of Nigeria (ALGON).

The NGF faulted the legality and legitimacy of the contract, including all financing arrangements.

The Governors agreed to “call on the Minister for Finance and the Accountant General of the Federation not to disburse to receiving entities monies already deducted for the construction of primary healthcare centres in each of the 774 LGAs, and that further deductions should be halted forthwith.”

They also resolved to constitute a Committee comprising the governors of Ekiti (as Chairman), Ebonyi, Delta, Gombe, Plateau, and Kano states to represent state and local governments on the matter.

The governors added that the committee will also approach President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning to appeal against the judgment.