‘It has become a notorious cabal’ — Edwin Clark calls for suspension of Nigerian Governors’ Forum

Edwin Clark, the convener of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has called for the suspension of Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).

In an open letter on Monday, Clark said the call for the NGF suspension is to “avert the looming crises between the various governments”.

The PANDEF leader noted that the forum, established to foster collaboration among states and improve democracy, has gradually become a tool for personal gain over public service.

“Let us take a reflective stroll through the years, examining how this body, initially intended as a platform for collaboration, has often strayed into the realm of power without accountability, influence without responsibility,” the letter reads.

“Critics often describe the NGF as a notorious cabal—a characterisation that is, sadly, not without merit.

“Its resistance to reforms, its penchant for secrecy, its prioritisation of power over service—all these have contributed to its reputation.”

The elder statesman decried the current state of the NGF, noting that with meaningful reforms, the forum can become “a force for good”.

He called for the reconstitution of the forum to align with constitutional principles, and serve as a true platform for collaboration rather than control.

“Let us imagine a reconstituted NGF. One that aligns with constitutional principles. One that serves as a true platform for collaboration rather than control,” Clark said.

“One that prioritises the people over politics. This is not beyond our grasp, but it requires vision and will.

“Therefore, I strongly advise the suspension of the Governors’ Forum from now in order to avert the looming crises between the various governments.”