The 36 state governors, acting under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), on Friday called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to urgently arrest and prosecute those involved in a plot to establish an interim government that would replace the nation’s democratic system. In a statement released by the forum’s chairman, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, the NGF warned the DSS against issuing statements without making arrests, noting that such actions could inflame the political climate.
The forum’s concerns stem from reports that the DSS had disclosed rumors of certain political actors planning to install an interim government to overturn the recently concluded presidential election results. Tambuwal said the NGF had deliberated extensively on the alleged scheme by “unscrupulous elements” and condemned in the strongest terms any unconstitutional means of regime change. The governors pledged their commitment to defending Nigeria’s democracy and elected leadership.
Furthermore, the NGF emphasized that issuing statements without accompanying arrests would only heighten tensions in the country. It urged the DSS to fulfill its duty by immediately detaining and prosecuting all individuals involved in the plot.
The forum also announced that it is ready to conduct its flagship induction programme for newly elected and re‑elected governors. The event, scheduled for 14‑17 May 2023, will bring together current and former governors, national and international leaders, industry captains, and development partners. Its purpose is to build governors’ capacity to establish, organize, manage, and set agendas using best practices and leveraging people, processes, programmes, and public opinion for more effective governance.
A second phase of the induction programme will take place from 17‑19 May 2023 and will feature a Governors’ Spouses Summit. This summit aims to strategize how the activities of governors’ spouses can complement the governors’ roles in promoting good governance at the sub‑national level and help the spouses transition into their new responsibilities as first ladies.
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