SECOND NIGERIA GOVERNORS' FORUM HOLDS IN SOKOTO STATE.

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has emphasised the need to develop a National Security Framework for the country.
This is contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a two-day retreat organised for governors by the forum on Saturday in Sokoto.
The communiqué said framework should include trans-national security cooperation, human security and environmental security.
It also seeks the evolution of a roadmap for pursuing the Nigerian dream and promoting and sustaining a people-centred approach to deepening democracy and federalism in the country.
``In view of the opaque nature of NNPC operations, we continue to insist on transparency in all facets of the petroleum value chain,’’ the communiqué said.
It reiterated the demand for State Police as a requirement of a federal system of government and a multi-level policing to improve on the security of citizens.
The communiqué also encouraged the promotion and protection of rights of marginalised groups, such as the physically challenged, through legislation by the National Assembly.
It emphasised good governance anchored on a framework of ethics, values and political morality to drive development with a view to leaving a durable legacy of democratic governance,
The document encouraged the involvement and participation of citizens, especially youths in governance as part of the legacy of democratic rule.

It stressed that governors would persist in efforts to ensure more effective devolution of powers to safeguard democracy and promote rapid development in the country.
It said this would be achieved through; `` amending ordinary legislation such as the FRSC Act, NIWA Act, Value Added Tax Act, Police Act and Federal Housing Authority ( FHA) Act, among others.’’
The communiqué also appealed to Nigerians to eschew docility by participating more actively in politics and demanding better accountability and responsibility from their leaders.
It further stressed the pursuit of diversification of the country`s economy to reduce dependency on oil.
It also emphasised the need to reinforce efforts at enhancing internally generated revenues to lessen states' dependency on the centre as a way to strengthen federalism in the county.
The Communique was signed by Gov. Amaechi on behalf of other governors who form the forum`s membership.
The Sokoto retreat was attended by Governors of Sokoto, Rivers, Osun, Lagos, Ekiti, Nasarawa, Adamawa and Zamfara states.
Kwara, Kano, Oyo, Niger and Jigawa states were however represented at the retreat by their Deputy Governors.
Governors of Yobe, Borno, Edo, and Ogun states  were not at the retreat.
Also at the retreat, were the Speaker House of Representatives Senator Aminu Tambuwa,  Prof. Wole Soyinka, Sen Bukola Saraki, former EFCC boss Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and a former Chief Justice of the Federation Justice Mohammed Uwais. (NAN)