Pro-Amaechi governors to back Kwankwanso as NGF chair

•Kano gov denies presidential race claim

The odds now seem to favour Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwanso of Kano State to emerge as the next chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) later this month.

The incumbent, Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who is facing massive opposition from his party (PDP), and the Presidency to return for a second term, is said to be disposed to stepping down for Kwankwaso.

This move, it was gathered, is to put up a formidable fight against Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State who is being backed by the Presidency.

In the last couple of weeks, the anti-Amaechi forces led by the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum (PDPGF), Chief Godswill Akpabio, and the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BOT), Chief Anthony Anenih, have been rallying the support of other governors to back Shema.

The pro-Amaechi governors, it was learnt, are also working underground to frustrate Shema’s emergence. According to our source, “The pro-Amaechi forces are aware that his opponents have perfected a plot to stage a walkout if it becomes clear that Amaechi would carry the day at the next election. To prevent the polarisation of the forum, Kwankwaso will be put forward by the group.”

A Government House Port Harcourt source told The Nation that Amaechi is not desperate for a second term as Chairman of the NGF.

“The Governor (Amaechi), contrary to his opponents’ claim, is not desperate to remain as NGF chair. However, he believes strongly that the independence of the NGF must be preserved,” the source said.

The Rivers State Governor recently visited Kano ostensibly to commission some projects executed by his host.

The Nation, however, gathered that before Amaechi flew back to his base, he held a closed-door session with his host in what our source said was meant to perfect the plan to install the Kano State helmsman as the new NGF chair.

A source privy to the plan said: “As things stand today, if the NGF election is held now, the pro-Amaechi forces would carry the day.”

Kwankwaso’s candidacy, findings revealed, is being backed because he is seen as an independent-minded governor who cannot be pushed around. “He is also not a huge fan of the President,” said a source.

The Governor has already dismissed media reports linking him to the 2015 Presidential race.

He denied having said in Maiduguri during his recent visit to the state that he will declare his 2015 presidential ambition at the appropriate time.

The Director of Press in the Governor’s Office, Alhaji Halilu Dantiye, said his principal was misquoted.

“The statement was a misrepresentation of facts as the Governor did not in any way express his intention to contest the 2015 Presidential race,” Dantiye said.

He added that the Governor “is currently occupied with how to ensure peace, stability and unity among Nigerians, as well as justifying the mandate given to him by the people of Kano State. Governor Kwankwaso is currently serving his second and final mandate as Governor and has not declared his interest to vie for the Presidency or any other elective position for that matter.”

source: the nation