Govs back Yar’Adua, says resignation call is betrayal of constitution

By Emmanuel Aziken

The thirty-six State Governors yesterday reasserted their confidence in President Umaru Yar`Adua’s capacity to lead the country and described calls on him to resign as an act of betrayal.

Rising from a meeting that stretched into the night in Abuja yesterday, the Governors nevertheless praised the sense of leadership of the Federal Executive Council under the leadership of Vice President Goodluck Jonathan.

Gov Bukola Saraki of Kwara State and chairman Governors Forum

The Governors in a communiqué issued at the end of their meeting in the Kwara State Government Lodge Abuja further asserted that in the absence of any evidence of permanent incapacitation that the calls for the President’s resignation were largely precipitated.

The communiqué which was read to newsmen by the forum’s chairman and Kwara State Governor, Dr. Bukola Saraki read thus:

- The Governors rose from a crucial meeting in Abuja yesterday with a commendation the sense of leadership by the federal executive council under the leadership of Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan and that it demonstrates that government at the federal level is alive to its responsibility and is being complemented by the 36 Governors.

- Constitutionally in the absence of any evidence of incapacitation on the part of the President to continue to discharge his duties it is precipitated and diversionary to call for Mr. President’s resignation

It is on the basis of this that we consider the call for the President to resign as a betrayal or lack of respect for the constitution and system of government of this country.

- The Governors restated the commitment of the forum to peace, progress and stability of Nigeria.

- They wish the President a quick recovery as he continues to lead the country.