The Progressive
Governors Forum (PGF) wishes to congratulate all Nigerians on the occasion of
the Eid-el-Kabir, and to urge all citizens to think deeply about the teachings
of our various religions, our relationship with God and the need to rededicate
ourselves further to serve our collective humanity.
One of the most
important lessons of Eid-el-Kabir is the need for patience and sacrifice.
However, it is the view of the PGF that Nigerians have been asked to make
painful sacrifices too often without anything to show for their patience. For
that reason, it is time for Nigerians to demand better service, accountability
and recompense for years of patience. It is our position that any government
that fails to be accountable to the electorates has lost its legitimacy.
Sadly, Nigerians
have been compelled to deal with lack of services, which has made life
unbearable for all Nigerians and the resultant worsening security, poverty and
unemploymentsituations in the country. Without question, any form of
celebrations at this time should be marked by thoughts about our fellow
countrymen and women that have lost their lives or livelihoods to one form of avoidable
conflicts or disasters.
The PGF appreciates
that times are particularly difficult, and calls on Nigerians not to despair;
hope is around the corner. We pledge to work with Nigerians towards finding and
implementing policies that promote security of lives and property, employment
generation and stimulation of economic activity so that all Nigerians would benefit
from our human and materials resources and convert potentials to real benefits.
We also wish to call
on the federal government to imbibe the spirit of tolerance and shun all
dictatorial tendencies such as the arbitrary sealing of the Adamawa State
Government lodge in Abuja. The PGF not
only finds this attitude condemnable but also demands the immediate opening of
the lodge to enable it conduct its normal business.
Similarly, the PGF
notes with concern, several acts of intimidation of opposition parties by the
state government and the PDP in Delta State in the recent run-off election.
This is a very dangerous trend that cannot be allowed to continue because it
has grave consequences on our democracy. Freedom of choice and right of
association, which are enshrined in our Constitution and must therefore be
allowed to flourish, and not sacrificed for undue electoral advantage. We call
on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to allow Nigerians to freely and fairly
elect candidates of their choice in every part of the country.
Finally, the PGF
assures Nigerians that we feel your pain and suffering and pledge to do
everything we can within our powers to promote open and transparent governance
at all levels, and work to develop our country based on policies and programmes
that would promote security, end poverty, create jobs, guarantee the rights of every Nigerian as contained in the laws of the
land.
Signed:
Progressive
Governors Forum
Nigeria
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