Governors elected on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC, on Tuesday met behind closed doors with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa, Abuja, Igbere TV reports.
Igbere TV reports that governors in attendance include Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, whose colleagues led by Fayemi sang birthday song for him on his 44th birthday.
Others are Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Yobe, Babagana Zulum of Borno, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano, Bagudu of Kebbi, Simon Lalong of Plateau, Gboyega Oyetola of Osun, Mai-Mala Buni of Yobe, Abdulrahman Abdulrazq of Kwara and Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa.
Others were, Abubakar Badaru, Jigawa State, of Borno State, Abubakar Bello, Niger State, Mannir Yakubu Deputy Governor of Katsina, and Hadiza Balaraba Deputy governor of Kaduna.
Also in attendance were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and the Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari.
Speaking at the end of the meeting, Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, who doubles as Chairman of the APC’s Progressive Governors’ Forum, said the president does not require their input in making his ministerial list.
Baguda, who said they came to congratulate the president on the emergence of the leadership of the 9th National Assembly, when asked if the ministerial list formed a part of their discussions, said: “No. It is an executive decision.”
President Buhari is expected to submit a list of ministerial nominees on or by July 2 when the National Assembly re-opens.
Igbere TV reports that the Lawan-led 9th Senate would upon resumption from its two weeks recess begin what he called a speedy screening and confirmation of persons whose names are expected to have been submitted by the Presidency before the July 2 resumption of the red chamber.
Speaking to State House Correspondents on the purpose of their visit, the APC Governors’ Chairman said, “This morning, Mr. President graciously granted audience to Progressive Governors’ Forum. We came to congratulate him on the National Assembly elections and thank him for the confidence he had the progressive Governors forum members who participated actively in all the processes that led to the emergence of Senator Ahmad Lawan, as Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege as Deputy Senate President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, as Speaker, and Hon. Ahmed Wase as Deputy Speaker.
“Furthermore, we used the opportunity to thank Mr. President for all he has been doing and all the successes recorded in the areas which he campaigned upon and by extension our party which are security, economy and accountability.
“We are quite happy with his support for states where close to N2 trillion was given to states in form of restructuring of loans, refunds on federal roads, refund for Paris Club, which has helped encouraged economic activities in the states, payment of salaries, payment of pensions, payment of gratuities and overall investment by infrastructural spendings.
“We are also appreciative of increased investment in agriculture which has been because of conscious decision to support agriculture as a way out of economic challenges and provide economic growth.
“We also congratulate Mr. President that despite drop in incomes, the value for money that he insists upon has begun to pay off in terms of more security across the country even though some challenges still remain, he is working hard on that with sincerity.
“Last and not the least, we offer to work with Mr. President continuously to ensure that we increase economic performance, security of our country and social cohesion.
“We thank Mr President for celebrating the Democracy Day consistent with the promise he has made which is a major element which is reflective of his democratic ideals in ensuring that an issue which is so important to many Nigerians has been finally addressed in a way that we are all happy.”
Asked what difference the nation should expect now that the ruling party is in full control at all levels, Bagudu said: “Well, we as Progressive Governors Forum will push so that that legislation and cooperation between states and federal government will intensify, we will be more active in e during investments in all areas that can provide employment and incomes rapidly will increase, we will collaborate more to ensure that security is enhanced particularly when it involves state borders.”
