by Stanley Azuakola

Once again, The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) said on Thursday that it would return to court to challenge the Federal Government’s deductions from the Excess Crude Account, to offset fuel subsidy payments.

Speaking at the close of the forum’s meeting in Abuja, the chairman of the NGF, Chibuike Amaechi, said that the decision to sue was an unanimous one taken after extensive deliberations. Amaechi said that it is now left for the court to compel the Federal Government to adhere to the provision of the constitution.

“On the Excess Crude Account, forum unanimously decided to head back to court to enforce the Federal Government’s adherence to the constitution,’’ he stated.

The argument of the governors is that the continued deduction of oil subsidy from the excess crude accounts, is against the principle of federalism and budgetary provision.

Also at the NGF meeting, the governors expressed support for the good governance tour conceived by the National Economic Council, NEC. They said such a tour would help showcase their achievements in various sectors. The tour would commence on Thursday in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Present at the meeting were the governors of 24 states, while Imo State governor was represented by his deputy.