NGF: Insecurity, political uncertainties may ground businesses if not promptly tackled

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has warned that the spate of insecurity as well as political and economic uncertainties in the country may ground businesses if they are not promptly tackled.

Kayode Fayemi, chairman of the forum, spoke on Monday at a meeting of the NGF with the attorneys-general of the 36 states.

Represented by Simon Lalong, governor of Plateau, Fayemi said in a bid to avert this, the governors have placed the office of the attorneys-general in various states on red alert to ensure that the states are not ambushed through frivolous cases and court orders.

“The spate of insecurity across many states, political and economic uncertainties in the country and the states have placed the office of the attorneys-general on red alert in ensuring that the states are not ambushed through frivolous cases/court orders that may lead to heavy financial losses and grounding of government business,” he said.

“We do not doubt that this meeting would afford you the opportunity to seek solutions.”

The governor also said the forum, through its peace and inclusive security initiative (PISI), has commenced discussions with stakeholders on diverse ways to handle some of these security challenges and restore peace to communities.

He also said governors are in support of autonomy for judiciary and legislature, but that the onus should be on the states to determine and implement it.

“You are all aware of the controversy occasioned by the question of the autonomy of the judiciary and legislature,” he said.

“The forum has often been in support of autonomy, but we felt that the onus was on the states to determine and implement it.

“It is, therefore, expedient that as chief law officers, you exercise the right to review and monitor the extent of implementation in your states.”