The South East Governors Forum has commended the members of the National Assembly for the maturity with which they handled the absence of President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua. Speaking on behalf of the Forum, Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, who is the Chairman of the Forum said the National Assembly’s resolution for the Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to be sworn-in as the Acting
President was no doubt based on informed appraisal of the true state of affairs and thanked them for following the dictates of the Constitution.
While describing their action as courageous, he said they had risen up to the demands of the time, which he said was in the interest of the nation. He commended Nigerians for their understanding, patience and goodwill.
While calling for more prayers for Yar’Adua for sustained recovery, he said he was sure that the President would be pleased with the resolution, aimed at the good and progress of the country.
According to him, the way the country was moving showed that its democracy was taking shape.
His words: “It is inspiring to note that Nigerians have embraced the civilized settling of burning issues through the meeting of minds than the arbitrariness of power which was the case in the past.”
Commenting on his recent gubernatorial victory, Obi said what was uppermost in his mind now is the future of the state. He called on everybody to rally round him in the interest of the state. He also promised that the next four years of his government would witness massive transformation of Anambra State.
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The South East Governors after their meeting in Enugu on 27th January 2010 to discuss various issues including Mr. President’s illness, Jos riot, Haiti Earthquake and security matters in the South East.
Their Excellencies erred in law when they stated at Paragraph 2 of the Communiqué as follows: “That we note with keen interest that, at present, there has been no breach of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as is being propagated in some quarters. We therefore call on all those working to overheat the polity, to always consider first, the corporate existence of the country”.
MEETING OF FORUM OF SOUTH EAST GOVERNORS TODAY, 27TH JANUARY, 2010 IN ENUGU
COMMUNIQUE
We, the South East Governors, met today 27th January, 2010 at Government House, Enugu and discussed very urgent and pressing issues and problems of South East and national matters including the over heated debate on Mr. President’s ill-health, the sectarian riot in Jos, the natural disaster in Haiti and Security in the South East. After due deliberation, it was resolved as follows:-
1. That we and the entire people of South East remain prayerful for Mr. President’s quick recovery and return to Office.
2. That we note with keen interest that, at present, there has been no breach of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as is being propagated in some quarters. We therefore call on all those working to overheat the polity, to always consider first, the corporate existence of country.
3. That the recent sectarian riot at Jos, Plateau State is regrettable and is hereby condemned. We support the Federal Government’s decision to identify and prosecute all those behind the riot and urge it to ensure security of life and property and urgent return of normalcy return to Jos. We also wish to use this opportunity to urge everybody in the South East Zone to go about their normal businesses without any fear.
4. That we support the Relief Committee set up by the Federal and Plateau State Governments for the victims of the sectarian violence in Jose with the sum of N10m (Ten Million Naira)
5. That we identify with the people of Haiti over the recent disaster in the country arising from earthquake and pledge the solidarity and support of the people of the zone. We thank all the donors and all those who have shown concern to the people of Haiti and donate, on behalf of the people of the zone, the sum of $250, 000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars) to support the relief and humanitarian efforts in Haiti.
6. That we are pleased to note that there is a remarkable improvement in security in the zone. While thanking the Security Agents for their efforts and co-operation, and urging them to keep up the good work, we pledge not to relent in our support to the security agencies and our fight against crime in the zone.
Signed:
His Excellency, Peter Obi
Governor, Anambra State
Chairman, South East Governors Forum