The Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), yesterday, pledged to ensure effective utilisation of extra funds, following removal of fuel subsidy.
The three tiers of government are set to share a record N1.959 trillion in July 2023, thrice the N786.161 billion shared in June, and more than triple the N655.93 billion in May.
Chairman of the forum, Hope Uzodimma, who did not specify the amount involved, acknowledged there would be more money available to the 36 states.
Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting by members of the forum in Abuja, he said: “We are aware that the result of the removal of fuel subsidy will increase the volume of money that would be received by us, and we are working with the Federal Government to ensure it will be utilised in a manner in which citizens of the country will be happy.”
He further said the decision by Abdullahi Adamu and Iyiola Omisore to resign their appointments as national chairman and secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was a welcome development.
“We commend the wisdom in what they have done. They served us well in the party. We are happy with the service, and the party is united. There is no crisis in the party,” Uzodimma said.
Meanwhile, national vice chairman (North West) of the party, Salihu Lukman, has kicked against reported moves to install former governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, as national chairman.
Lukman, in a statement, said moves to impose Ganduje on the party smacks of insensitivity to wishes and aspirations of APC members.
He said: “So far, as things are, only the president and governors’ blocs are active in the negotiation to produce and engage leaders of APC. Already, part of the speculations emerging from the governors’ bloc is that Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is being considered to succeed Adamu.
“If this is true, it only suggests insensitivity, and a taking of members of the party for granted. This is without prejudice to the person of Ganduje.
“This is because such a choice will completely distort the zoning arrangement that informed the current configuration of the leadership of the National Assembly.”
