Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) yesterday extended the olive branch again to the faction of the Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang, noting that Nigerians were left to suffer the impact of the split.
Speaking at the fourth Nigeria Governors' Forum retreat in Rivers State, Amaechi, however cautioned that democracy should be practised in coming elections.
The retreat was themed "healthcare, youth empowerment and transitioning-out”.
The retreat was themed "healthcare, youth empowerment and transitioning-out”.
It will be recalled that the forum had in May 2013 split, after Amaechi defeated factional chairman of the forum, Jonah Jang. While Amaechi scored 19 votes, Jang got 16 votes.
But Amaechi in his opening remark said "to my colleagues, as we prepare to bow out, I want us to reflect on the matter of the crack in the body of NGF. Since it is our dream and aspiration to remain intact and grow together as one, regardless of any disagreements, the time to bring everyone back together is now. Our country and our people bear the biggest brunt of a fractured forum. As we forge ahead towards 2015 and the democratic bells ring again, let us continue to imbibe and internalise the democratic tenets where freely given mandates are respected and upheld even while allowing the minority to have their say."
He continued "I strongly hope that in coming elections, democracy will be practised as it ought to be. In all future elections, winners must be congratulated while losers must of necessity be commended for taking part. Mandates must be respected and held sacred. Therein lies the true democratic spirit and therein lies the way forward."
But Amaechi in his opening remark said "to my colleagues, as we prepare to bow out, I want us to reflect on the matter of the crack in the body of NGF. Since it is our dream and aspiration to remain intact and grow together as one, regardless of any disagreements, the time to bring everyone back together is now. Our country and our people bear the biggest brunt of a fractured forum. As we forge ahead towards 2015 and the democratic bells ring again, let us continue to imbibe and internalise the democratic tenets where freely given mandates are respected and upheld even while allowing the minority to have their say."
He continued "I strongly hope that in coming elections, democracy will be practised as it ought to be. In all future elections, winners must be congratulated while losers must of necessity be commended for taking part. Mandates must be respected and held sacred. Therein lies the true democratic spirit and therein lies the way forward."
He noted that some of the resolutions reached at previous retreats had impacted on the policy in various states that participated in the retreats.
"We hope that other state actors will see the need to adopt, and where necessary, modify some of these resolutions in order to move our country forward."
He added that finding solutions to the challenges that plague the nation was their duty as leaders in the country.
He added that finding solutions to the challenges that plague the nation was their duty as leaders in the country.
Governors present were Amaechi; Rochas Okorocha of Imo; Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano; Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti; Aliyu Wamako of Sokoto; Murtala Nyako of Adamawa; Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun; Babatunde F ashola of Lagos; Adams Oshiomole of Edo; Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo; and Tanko Almakura of Nassarawa
Others are Senator Bukola Saraki, Senator Magnus Abe; El rufai.
Others are Senator Bukola Saraki, Senator Magnus Abe; El rufai.
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