By Laja Thomas
THE South-West zone of the Goodluck/Sambo Campaign Council,  has expressed its displeasure and disappointment in what it “described as unwarranted and contrived controversy against the choice of Governor Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.”

In a statement by Mr Dayo Adeyeye, Publicity Secretary of the Council, the group said: “This is another unnecessary heating up of the polity which the country can ill-afford at this point in time.

We wish to also observe that some of the most vociferous voices against the emergence of Governor Daniel as the NGF Chairman are groups that have cashed in on all manner of unfortunate situations such as the ill-health of former President Umar Musa Yar’ Adua and the October twin bomb blasts in Abuja, to try to tear the country apart.”

“These individuals and groups should desist from their nefarious activities henceforth. Any of the 36 State Governors in Nigeria is qualified to Chair the Governors Forum.

“We also wish to emphasise that Governor Gbenga Daniel, as a foremost leader in the South West, possesses all the qualities of leadership required to hold that position, given his pedigree and record of performance in office.”

It is regrettable that innocuous statements made by respected PDP Governors calling attention to the issue of procedure are being mis-construed to connote “rejection” or “objection” to Governor Gbenga Daniel’s popular choice to lead the Governors’ Forum through this transitional period.

According to reports, the decision to make Gov. Daniel the NGF Chairman was taken proactively to prevent the personalization of the Forum by a Governor who wanted to single-handedly appoint the new chairman.

“It is gratifying to note, however, that this is the first time that a Governor from the South West geo-political zone would be occupying such a position since the return to democratic rule 12 years ago.

We call on all Nigerians who believe in fairness and equity, as a way to move the Nigeria project forward, to support and rally round Governor Gbenga Daniel on this new assignment.”