NGF Criticises FG Over Deduction Of Oil Subsidy From Federation Account

The Nigeria Governors` Forum (NGF) has criticised the continued deduction of oil subsidy from the Federation Account, describing it as unconstitutional.

This was contained in a communiqué issued and read by forum's?Chairman, Gov. Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers?after its meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

The communiqué?stated that the “deduction negates the principle of federalism and budgetary provision’’ and?expressed regrets that despite the increase in the pump price of petrol, the quantum of subsidy deduction was still worrisome.

It?restated NGF’s demand for a new revenue sharing formula that would allocate 35 per cent to the Federal Government, 42 per cent to States and 23 per cent to Local Governments.

Gen. Andrew Azazi, the National Security Adviser to the President,?briefed the governors on security challenges in the country.

Azazi after briefing the governors, declined to speak to newsmen.

Amaechi told journalists that after listening to the National Security Adviser, the governors resolved to ensure closer cooperation between States and the Federal Government in security matters.

NAN reports that the forum renewed its commitment to a holistic approach to polio eradication in the country.

The communiqué mandated Deputy Governors to take charge of state taskforce on polio eradication for maximum result ?

The meeting was attended by governors of Imo, Niger, Cross River, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun, Anambra, Kogi and deputy governors of Lagos, Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Abia, Kwara, Ebonyi, Oyo among others (NAN)