by Rachel Ogbu

The struggle to become the next chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum has intensified as member prepare for the forum’s next meeting.

On Monday, it was confirmed that different camps interested in taking over from current chairman, Governor Rotimi Amaechi to head the 36-member forum, were not leaving anything to chance.

“The state of emergency declared by the President has altered the calculations among avowed Amaechi’s supporters,” a source said speaking to Punch newspapers.

“They now know that opposing the President on this one is a risky business.”

“When he said he would contest, we knew that he did not realise that his options were narrowing and his support base was being depleted.”

According to reports, an Amaechi supporter said the governor has not lost hope.

“We are aware that the other camp is playing a mind game.

“They have been using subtle threats as well as promises to try to sway governors who they know are championing Ameachi’s cause.

“If you listen carefully to the address of Chief Tony Anenih in Asaba, you will agree with me that they want Amaechi out by all means. Our confidence is in the fact that Amaechi’s work as NGF Chairman speaks for itself.

“This fight is not personal, he is fighting for the independence of the forum from federal control so that governors can choose to be independent or continue to subject themselves to the whims of an individual.”

The Punch reports:

Governors Babaginda Aliyu (Niger State); Sule Lamido (Jigawa); and Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), among others are said to be championing Amaechi cause, while Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Gabriel Suswam (Benue); and Ibrahim Shema (Katsina), are reportedly rooting for another leader for the forum.

The alleged rift between Amaechi and President Goodluck Jonathan over 2015 election is also said to have caused the creation of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum chaired by Akpabio.