To some, it looked like a display of loyalty to President Umaru Yar'Adua, however misguided, when governors met with Acting President Goodluck Jonathan and made it known that they will not support him if he chooses to run for president in the 2011 elections.

However, NEXT investigations reveal that this was only an act of self preservation.

The Governors Forum is not recognised by any Nigerian law but, since Olusegun Obasanjo's administration, it has been a custodian of enormous powers, due, in no small part, to its influence in appointing ministers.

This group has been unsettled by signals coming from the acting president himself, including his setting up of a body headed by Theophilus Danjuma to advise the Presidency, without consulting them.

There are also signs that the acting president might begin to take a second look at financial impropriety involving governors and some of their cronies. Only four governors are on his side at the moment.

The acting president is also yet to deal with the cabal bent on preserving the myth of President Yar'Adua's recovery, as well as questions about the constitutionality of his ascension into office.

Mr.Jonathan's confusion in the midst of these overwhelming problems is palpable and has hindered him from fully exercising the powers of his new office.

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