The Chairman of Governors Mandate Network, Earl Osaro Onaiwu has heaped praises on Nigerian health workers on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19.

Onaiwu who spoke with newsmen on Saturday said Doctors, Nurses, Laboratory Scientists and other health workers who put their life on the line to attend to COVID-19 patients deserve all the appreciation they can get.

He stated that despite limited infrastructure and an uninspiring working condition, Nigerian health workers have continued to demonstrate uncommon dedication to service therefore fetching the country international acclaim in the management of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Governors Mandate boss then urged corporate bodies, organisations and good spirited Nigerians to support these patriotic Nigerians with every incentive they can afford at this time.

A leading political figure in Edo state and Chairman of Governors Mandate Network, Osaro Onaiwu has expressed in strong terms, his total disappointment in a gubernatorial aspirant, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu for setting up a campaign structure at a critical time when the whole world is battling to overcome the menace of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Describing the move as selfish and inhuman, Mr. Onaiwu wondered why Mr. Ize-Iyamu is busy scheming on how to force himself on Edo people instead of joining the fight to defeat the life-threatening global pandemic.

A statement from him reads in parts: "The whole world can now see the typical character of a man that is so desperate to be a governor in Edo.

"Right now the world over, politics has taken the backseat while all efforts are concentrated on saving humanity from the raging coronavirus disease.

"It is saddening that the reverse is what we are witnessing in Edo state with Osagie Ize-Iyamu prioritising his insatiable quest for Edo government house over the health and wellbeing of the people he seeks to rule over.

"I dare say Ize-Iyamu cannot be governor in Edo state as his ambition is dead on arrival. His type is not who we need at this time. We need selfless and focused people like Godwin Obaseki to continue the good work. No distractions."

Mr. Onaiwu urged all Edo citizens to notice the insensitivity of Ize-Iyamu's selfish quest and reject him outrightly. He also enjoined them to continue to support the initiatives of the Edo state government to totally eradicate COVID-19 from the state.

"Only the living can play politics," he concluded.

The Chairman of Governors Mandate has implored residents of Oyo, Bauchi and Kaduna states to stand by governors in these trying times as they strive to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic

The three governors among the high profile Nigerians who recently tested positive to the raging global pandemic. About 149 other Nigerians have also tested positive to the virus.

Speaking to our reporter on Wednesday, Earl Osaro Onaiwu who is the Chairman of Governors Mandate said it should be noted that these hardworking governors most probably contracted the virus in the line of duty and as such they deserve all the care, loyalty and prayers that the people they toil day and night to serve can offer.

"This is the time for all the religious leaders, leaders of thought, aides and especially the general public in these states (Kaduna, Bauchi and Oyo) and even beyond to come together in prayers and goodwill to support their governors.

"I know these governors well, they are workaholics who care deeply about their citizens and I can tell you that even in their current state of isolation, they are still working remotely to better their states so we have no option than to support them morally and in prayers," Mr. explained to our reporter.

The GMN boss declared that he is in touch with the governors and they are all in high spirit, adding that his organisation has already initiated other measures to encourage the governors. He also urged other to tow similar path.

The Abuja Concerned Citizens Forum (ACCF) has urged commercial banks and other corporate bodies who are already committing large amount of money to the COVID-19 Relief Fund to channel such donations directly to the suffering masses who really need the support at this time.

The Forum, in a statement issued by its Director of Media, Ms Racheal Ogbonna on Wednesday stated that despite the billions that have been reportedly donated by these corporate bodies, Abuja residents, particularly those in the sur-burbs and satellite towns are yet to get any help.

She stated that reports from the group's Incident Officers monitoring developments around the Federal Capital Territory during this period of lockdown shows that the masses are beginning to get disenchanted as hopes of government relief package getting to them is not in sight.

The group then urged Banks and other corporate organisations to borrow a leaf from some of their counterparts in Lagos who have devised a means of directly reaching their customers and the general public with palliatives.

COVID-19 Lockdown:

Amidst the ongoing lockdown of many Nigerian states arising from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has insisted on going ahead with its planned increase in electricity tariff, effective from Wednesday, April 1, 2020.

This development has however been described as "callous and insensitive" by the Chairman of Governors Mandate Network (GMN), Earl Osaro Onaiwu.

In a release personally signed by Mr. Onaiwu, he wondered why the government would go ahead with a policy that could compound the woes of an already overstressed populace at a time where many are still battling to come to terms with the economic implications of the coronavirus disease.

The Governor Mandate boss noted that with total and partial lockdowns declared in several states of the federation, with the attendant shutting down of many businesses, Nigerians, many of whom are on subsistent living cannot any additional pressure on the living expenses.

In his words: "This is totally an inauspicious time for the NERC to increase electricity tariff. Governments all over the world are offering stimulus packages to their citizens to help them go through the trauma of the global pandemic easily, our own government must not be seen doing otherwise.

"People need light to stay at home and though power supply has been epileptic as usual, it would be callous and insensitive to now make it unaffordable to the masses.

"I call on the Federal Government to revert to status quo or more preferably, cause the DISCOs to reduce their billing during this period of lockdown."

In a similar light, the Governors Mandate Chairman has urged the operators of cable TV networks such as GOTV, Startimes and the likes to offer their customers one month free subscription.He said the companies should consider it as their own contributions to the COVID-19 relief fund.

He stated that while many Nigerians are now at home due to the lockdown declared by the government may not have the required funds for subscription, it is evident that many would need to be by their TV as a means of information and entertainment to quell the ravaging fear pervading the world.

Abuja Concerned Citizens Forum (ACCF) has advised the FCT Minister to convert Christ Embassy Church, Jabi to COVID-19 isolation center.

The church was sealed by an FCT Taskforce led by the Chairman, Comrade Ikharo Attah, earlier today for defying the orders of the FCT administration which had earlier in the week ordered a suspension of all forms of mass gathering with the Federal Capital Territory by conducting a wedding ceremony in the church premises.

Reacting to the development, ACCF noted that a religious group could still be gathering in disobedience to lawful orders especially with the precarious situation of COVID-19 spread.

The group then advised that the church building be turned to isolation center for confirmed cases of COVID-19 so as to serve as a deterrent to others who may also be planning to disobey the Stay-At-Home order of the government.

The governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has become the second governor to test positive to the raging coronavirus.

Announcing the development in a statement personally signed by him on saturday, the diminutive governor stated that he had submitted himself to the test earlier in the week, the result of which has now come back positive.

El-Rufai then urged his fellow citizens to do all that is necessary to stay safe from the virus while noting that the state deputy governor who is chairing the state's COVID-19 response team will continue to provide leadership in this critical time.

The governor has reportedly since gone into self isolation and is responding well to treatment.

By John Adenekan

The Abuja Concerned Citizens Forum (ACCF) has urged all political office holders resident in Abuja to contribute to the Abuja COVID-19 Relief Fund being championed by the group.

Ms Rachel Ogbonna, the Spokesperson of the forum in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday stated that there is an urgent need for political office holders such as Senators, Members of House of Representatives, Ministers etc. to contribute their quota to the efforts being galvanised by the ACCF to cushion the effects of COVID-19 on the masses.

The statement reads in parts: "We all know Abuja is moving towards total lockdown because of the coronavirus. Our database shows many people will be adversely affected.

"Economic activities have been disrupted and many households are without the basic stocks to last them during the time of the lockdown.

"We also know that many cannot also afford the scarce food and healthcare that may be available in this trying time.

"We therefore call on all our political office holders: Senators, Reps Members, Ministers, Special Advisers etc. to donate to the Abuja COVID-19 Relief Fund as a matter of urgency.

The group noted that favourable responses have started trickling in from the Abuja Private sector but it needs to be complemented by political office holders so that a robust relief response can be administered to the needy.

March 27, 2020 John Adenekan

Imo state governor, Hope Uzodimma has set a new record by being the first Nigerian governor to procure locally manufactured security trucks for operation “Search and Flush” in the State.


The newly acquired brand new pickup trucks which are manufactured by Nigeria’s automobile giant, Innoson Vehicle Motors (IVM), include: the IVM G12, built solely for military operations, and the IVM Carrier 4×4.

The pickup trucks will be used as patrol vehicles by the security operatives in the state. The two models are favourites amongst Nigerian security outfits, including the Nigeria Police, Army and the Air Force.


The patronage of Innoson vehicles is a big boost for the local manufacturing industry and it is a clear departure from the usual practices of buying foreign brands for local use by other governments.

During his maiden broadcast in January 2020, Governor Hope Uzodinma had promised to flush out internet fraudsters, kidnappers and ritualists from the state.

“In tandem, we shall launch Operation “FOC,” (Flush Out Criminals) – a combined security operations targeted at flashpoints and centres of high criminal activities; including hideouts; jungles; uncompleted buildings; forest; shrines; lakes and the creeks.” the governor said during that broadcast.

The latest procurement is seen as a furtherance of the governors resolve to secure the state from all security threats.

By John Adenekan

The Supreme Court has dismissed the application of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State, seeking a review of the Court’s judgment, which nullified the election of the party’s candidates in the State, in the 2019 general elections.

In a lead judgement read by Justice Inyang Okoro, the apex Court described the application as vexatious and gross abuse of court process.

The Court then awarded a cost of N2m to be paid by the Applicant ( APC) to the 1st -140th respondent.

Details later…

A group known as Abuja Concerned Citizen Forum has set machinery in motion to raise the sum of one hundred million naira (N100m) as its contribution to support the fight against coronavirus.

A joint statement signed by Earl Osaro Onaiwu, Dr. Onuoha and Dr. Sadiq Ibrahim on Thursday reads in part:

"We have found it auspicious at this time to come together for the purpose of mobilising resources to support the government as it strives to wipe out the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria and particularly Abuja.

"As you all may be already aware, Abuja is next to Lagos in terms of the number of persons confirmed to have tested positive to the virus.

"We therefore cannot fold our arms knowing well that the logistics on ground cannot adequately cater for the containment and management of the pandemic in case of further spread."

The group then called on all persons of means to join efforts with the group to achieve its objective of making Abuja safe for all.

Bayelsa State government has ordered the immediate closure of all land and sea entry and exit points into and out of the state.

Governor Douye Diri gave the order on Thursday evening after being briefed by the COVID-19 task force in the state.

A statement by his acting Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as also directing that all mortuaries be closed forthwith to ensure compliance with the earlier directive on the suspension of burial and wedding ceremonies in the state for two weeks.

Governor Diri said the implementation committee will liaise with all the security agencies in the state to ensure full compliance with the directive.

He said the additional measures are being taken to protect and safeguard every resident of the state from the coronavirus pandemic.

The governor had tested negative for the virus on Thursday.

The officials and people of Bayelsa can now heave a sigh of relief as the state governor, Douye Diri tests negative to the fast spreading pandemic, Coronavirus otherwise called COVID-19.

The governor was tested for the virus at about noon on Wednesday 25th March, 2020 by specialists from the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Benin. The result which came out a short while ago has now confirmed the governor is free from the pandemic.

There have been concerns that some state governors may have been exposed to the virus due to their recent contacts with persons who have been confirmed to have contracted the virus during a series of meetings in Abuja last week.

Recall that Governors Mandate reported yesterday that the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Kayode Fayemi has asked his exposed colleagues to self isolate and go for the test so as to ascertain their status.

It is expected that the result of the test of the Bayelsa governor would encourage others to come forward and take measures to curb the spread of the deadly virus

The Chairman of Governors Mandate Network, Earl Osaro Onaiwu has commended Africa's leading billionaire and President of Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote for spearheading an initiative to combat the rampaging coronavirus in conjunction with Mr. Herbert Wigwe, MD/CEO of Access Bank PLC and other corporate bodies who have indicated interest to join the coalition.

Speaking Wednesday evening, Onaiwu said it was indeed heartwarming to learn that a coalition of private sector organizations are ready to support the Federal Government's ongoing efforts to tackle the coronavirus (COVID-19) menace sweeping across the country.

He stated that the gesture of corporate organisations like Access Bank Group, Zenith Bank, GTBank, MTN, ITB and others, in addition to the N200 million earlier pledged by the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) will go a long way to help curb the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria.

Mr. Onaiwu further noted that the initiative, tagged the Coalition Against Coronavirus (COCAVID), which will involve the erection of fully-equipped medical tents to house patients and serve as training, testing, isolation and treatment centers, with an additional facility will massively lighten the pressure on the already overstretched health infrastructure in the country.

He then urged other well meaning bodies to join the coalition as the pandemic is a fast spreading one which does not respect class or affluences and as such all hands are needed on deck to defeat it as swiftly as possible.

Meanwhile the Chairman of Governors Mandate has called on the operatives of the Federal Government to quickly distribute the freshly received COVID-19 relief equipment donated by the Chinese billionaire, Jack Ma across the country, especially to states where it is desperately needed noting that the materials must not be locked away in warehouses where it may eventually pilfered by greedy and heartless elements for pecuniary gains.

The launch of a book, The Beauty of Marriage and You, written by Mrs. Joy Osaro-Onaiwu, the wife of theChairman of the Governors Mandate Network (GMN) has been postponed indefinitely.

The event was scheduled to hold at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Center, Wuse 2, Abuja on Thursday 26th March, 2020.

Making the announcement via a release on Tuesday, the GMN boss, Earl Osaro Onaiwu said the prevailing escalation of the coronavirus pandemic has made it inevitable to postpone the events which was billed to host top echelons of the society including governors, senator, clergy, businessmen and other VIPs.

Mr. Onaiwu said it would be unconscionable to hold such a gathering when the nation is facing serious threats of a global pandemic such as the COVID-19.

He therefore called for understanding of the numerous guests that have been invited for the occasion while urging Nigerians to obey all expert advice on how to prevent further spread of the coronavirus such as staying at home for those on non essential duties, maintaining social distance and constant hand washing.

He then said the event will be rescheduled and the date properly communicated to guests at a later date after the global pandemic is conquered.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi has charged his colleagues especially those who partook in some public functions in Abuja last week to immediately go into self isolation as well as submit themselves to coronavirus (COVID-19) test.

The Ekiti governor stated that such measures have become imperative given that two (2) persons who were active participants in the said functions have tested positive to the virus.

A tweet posted on the governors verified handle, @kfayemi read:

"I just took a CoviD 19 test, having gone into self isolation since yesterday evening. I'm asymptomatic and feel well, but I was in meetings with two people who had since tested positive. I look forward to an all clear and have encouraged all my colleagues to take the test. JKF"

It should be recalled that many Nigerian governors or their deputies attended the following events between 16th and 17th March, 2020 in Abuja:
Nigeria Governors Meeting;
Breakfast meeting with Worldbank officials and;
National Economic Council Meeting.

The two persons who were part of those meetings and have tested positive for COVID-19 are President Buhari's Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari and the Governor of Bauchi state, Bala Mohammed.

Following its directive on the ban of high density gathering due to the COVID 19 virus, which subsequently informed the closure of Public and private schools across the State, the Ogun State Government has announced the commencement of electronic visual learning on the State owned Television station, OGTV.

In statement signed by the Mr. Kunle Somorin, the Chief Press Secretary to the Ogun State Governor, the government explained that the digital classrooms for children of primary and secondary schools across the State, “tagged OgunDigiClass” is to ensure that learners are still undergoing the learning process while on the unplanned impromptu academic recess.

Mr. Somorin further explained that the broadcast is an initiative of the State Government in collaboration with the Ministry of Education Science and Technology.

According to the Special Adviser on Special Adviser, Primary Secondary and Technical Education in the State, Mrs Ronke Soyombo “OgunDigiClass would daily feature top-notch educators who would handle core topics in English and Mathematics at both Primary and Secondary Schools levels”

She added that the visual learning will run as follows:

Public streaming on OGTV (Channel 25, 260 on DSTV, 100 on GoTV) between the hours of:

9:00am – 10:00am (Classes for Primary Schools)

10:00am – 11:00 (Classes for Primary Schools)

1:00pm – 2:00pm (Classes for secondary Schools)

Students who do not have the opportunity to be part of the televised sessions could also to visit www.ogundigiclass.ng to watch the recorded version of the classes.

Additionally, students can also send questions on any subject on this platform while the teachers assist them.

Parents and guardians are hereby enjoined to ensure that appropriate measures are emplaced to enable their wards benefit from this arrangement.

The electronic visual school commences 24th March 2020 and will be on throughout the duration of the closure of schools.

The Federal Government has been asked to publish the names of all persons who arrived Nigeria through our International Airports from high countries with established cases of coronavirus otherwise known as COVID-19.

Earl Osaro Onaiwu who is the Chairman of Governors Mandate Network made the call on Monday urging the government to compel all international airlines to publish the manifest of all their inbound flights in the last one week no matter the calibre of persons involved.

Onaiwu stated that there are growing concerns that there are many more infected persons than currently being detected in Nigeria, saying there is high suspicion of spread via person-to-person contact from people who have been exposed to the virus abroad.

He regretted the situation where majority of returnees are not adhering strictly to self-isolation protocol thereby resulting in the geometric increase of confirmed cases of COVID-19.

As incidence of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to spread across the country, the Governors Mandate Network has saluted governors in the states of the federation for taking prompt decisions to arrest further spread of the global life threatening disease.

The Network, in a statement issued by its Chairman, Earl Osaro Onaiwu on Sunday noted that Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) had called an emergency meeting last week chiefly to discuss contingent measures that could be deployed in tackling the menace of COVID-19 among the populace.

He stated that one of the outcomes of the meeting is the shutting down of public gatherings in states where confirmed cases have been recorded or where there is a high likelihood of COVID-19 incidence.

Governors Mandate Network however calls on religious bodies, business organisations, private entities and the general public to fully cooperate with state governments in their quest to put up effective measures to deal with the ravaging pandemic.

There are fresh indications that governors of the All Progressives Congress are not lying low in their quest to oust the embattled National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole from office, Governors' Mandate can report.

The governors who had a meeting yesternight, prior to the general meeting of the Nigerian Governors Forum vowed to resume their plan to remove Oshiomhole from office.

The new agitation is being led by two northern governors and three former governors who have had a roughshod with Mr. Oshiomhole in the past.

A source close to one of the northern governors revealed that many of the governors are said to have warned that keeping the embattled chairman in office is dangerous because going by his antecedents, he may lay low for now but he will surely come back to strike his perceived enemies.

"Keeping Oshiomhole is like keeping a rattlesnake under the bed with the belief that it has been tamed. A snake knows nothing else but bite" a governor was said to have warned some of his colleagues who appear to be sitting on the fence over the matter.

Governors Mandate Network has asked the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) to intervene in the ensuing verbal exchange between governors of Rivers and Imo state.

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State had a few days ago engaged in a verbal brickbat with his Imo State counterpart, Hope Uzodinma over an allegation by the latter that members of theR Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) were responsible for the moves to remove embattled National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress.

Governors' Mandate speaking via its Chairman, Earl Osaro Onaiwu however notes that a situation where top state executives would be exchanging insults on the pages of newspapers is not healthy for our democracy.

He further noted that the governors being noble members of the Nigerian Governors Forum have a dignifying channel via which they can resolve their differences. He then called on the leadership of the Nigerian Governors Forum to stem such tide.

Onaiwu further stated that the precarious situation pervading Global and National health and economy should be a rallying point for leaders to come together to defeat the challenges and not to give room for any divisive tendencies.

Respite is not yet in sight for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the crisis rocking the party is showing no sign of abating.

Governors Mandate reliably gathered that at least 12 governors of the party, majority of whom are in their second term are already dumping the party for an opposition party or even forming a new party altogether.

This move, according to sources who are in the know is necessitated by the insistence by President Buhari and a National leader of the Party that Adams Oshiomhole must be kept in office at all cost. The governors however have fallen out with the Chairman and have sworn never to work with him again.

The leadership of the party has been subject of hot legal contestation with rulings and counter-rulings flying about on the status of the embattled National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole and some other National Officers.

Meanwhile, a meeting of the Progressive Governors Forum is currently ongoing to find a political solution to the logjam in the APC.

Sources say the embattled Chairman has been making frantic efforts to reach out to the aggrieved governors and is even ready to abide by their terms but many of the governors are wary of him because they believe he cannot be trusted further judging by the kind of betrayal he meted out to former governors, past presidents and other high political office holder who helped him to his seat in the past.

By John Adenekan

All things being equal, the governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde will this Wednesday, lead thousands of other party faithfuls from across the Southwest geopolitical zone to welcome back a former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola into the fold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Oyinlola was elected as the governor of Osun State under the platform of PDP in 2003 but the Appeal Court upturned his victory in 2006. He later became the National Secretary of the party before being unceremoniously removed from office.

Oyinlola withdrew his membership from the party due to "maltreatment" by the party hierarchy in 2014. He however joined forces with the PDP presidential bid in 2019 under the aegis of Conference of United Political Party (CUPP).

His return is seen as part of the fruits of the efforts being put by the Governor Seyi Makinde-led Southwest Caucus of the party to rebuild and strengthen its rank. Other bigwigs who have left the party in the past are expected to rejoin in the coming days.

The Board of Directors of Governors' Mandate has announced the appointment of Mr. John Adenekan as its Group General Editor. The appointment is with immediate effect.

In that role, Adenekan will oversee the operations of the organisation including its Consultancy, Online, Radio and TV productions.

Adenekan who holds a Masters Degree from the University of Ibadan comes on board with over a decade managerial experience of working in Project Management, Media, Non Governmental and Digital Communications Organisations.

Governors' Mandate is an media network that offers Media Consultancy and integrated support to state governors via its various communications platforms.

Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa state has reacted to a High Court ruling which gave him victory in a matter preferred against him by his challenger, Mr. Timi Alaibe's.

Goveronor Douye said he received the judgement of the Federal High Court, Owerri, as yet another affirmation of the will of God. According to him, "there is no victor nor vanquished."

Mr. Douye who spoke through Mr. Dan Alabrah, his acting Chief Press Secretary stated that the victory is for the people of Bayelsa and indeed the Ijaw nation.

"So in the spirit of our unity and the love we share, I again extend the olive branch to all Bayelsans, including my dear brother, Chief Ndutimi Alaibe, to join hands with me to develop and move our state forward," Mr. Douye said while urging for the support of all the stakeholders in the state.

Trouble seems not to be abating for Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the embattled Chairman of Nigeria's ruling political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), as 14 of the 19 State Governors of the party are said to have endorsed their signatures for his removal from office.

Governors' Mandate reliably gathered that two (2) governors from the Southwest, one (1) recently installed governor from the Southeast, a governor from Northeast who was also a member of the National Working Committee and another governor from the President's homebase are however sitting on the fence over the matter.

Chief amongst the grouse of the governors against Oshiomhole was said to be his highhandedness, pursuit of personal vendetta and total disregard for the input of senior party stakeholders in the running of the party.

Our source stated that while President Muhammadu Buhari is being pressured by a National leader of the All Progressives Congress to reign in the governors and save the job of Mr. Oshiomhole, lobbyists within the presidency are strongly advising the President to wash off his hands from the matter.

Meanwhile, a governor from the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) from a state in the South-South region is also leading the charge to have Mr. Oshiomhole.

The governor who had recently had a public altercation with the embattled Chairman is reported to have vowed to make all necessary input to ensure Oshiomhole is "taught a bitter political lesson."

Governors across the states have been busy all through last week trying to deliver on their promises to the people.
Governors Mandate have been tracking the performances of State Governors in all the 36 States of the Federation.
Here is our Top 10 Governors (in no definite order) in the just concluded week:
1. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos): Quick response to the coronavirus index case.

2. Godwin Obaseki (Edo): Establishment of the first indigenous discount mall for indigenous products.

3. Dapo Abiodun: Successful line-listing of all contacts with the index patient of coronavirus in Nigeria. Progressing with the distribution of 54,000 birds in the Ogun Broiler Project.

4. Seyi Makinde (Oyo): disbursement of N75m to 18 communities and 2 vulnerable groups via a World Bank assisted programme. Funds to be used for Education, Health, Environment and Social Welfare projects.

5. Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe): successful hosting of the first meeting of the North East Governors where issues affecting security and development of the region were addressed.

6. Nyesom Wike (Rivers): releasing N90m Education Trust Fund and employing 10,000 teachers to enhance pupils’ performance.

7. Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta): hosting South- South Governors’ Forum meeting. Reinvigorating the BRACED Commission.

8. Babagana Zullum (Borno): the first civilian governor to visit Abadam, a stronghold of Boko Haram on the West Coast of Lake Chad.

9. Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa): Flagging off N8bn Housing Project in Yola.

10. Dave Umahi (Ebonyi): Construction of 198km Ringroad in collaboration with African Development Bank

The Chairman of Governors Mandate, Earl Osaro Onaiwu has commended southwest governors on the successful establishment of a Southwest regional security outfit codenamed "Amotekun"

Onaiwu speaking to newsmen on Saturday noted that the myriads of security challenges especially banditry, kidnapping and forceful invasions has made it imperative for state governors who are constitutionally the chief security officers of their respective states to take extra measure to secure their domain.

Noting the constitutional irony that does not place the utmost authority and control of government security apparatuses on state governors, the Governors' Mandate Chair advised the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) to convoke a national security summit to address the apparent dilemma in the control of security commands in the various states of the federation.

He further stated that since other regions are already taking a cue from the launch of Amotekun to establish their own regional security outfit, there is no need to further the need to have a national dialogue on the current security architecture of the Nigerian nation.

As the controversy over the status of the embattled Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole rages on, feelers have emerged that the governors in the party are already shopping for his replacement.

_Governors' Mandate_ gathers that most of the governors are seriously looking in the direction of three former governors from the South-South, the region to which the Chairmanship of the Party is currently zoned.

According to sources who are in the know, Chief Clement Ebri, a former governor of Cross-River state who also aspired for the exalted position and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, a former governor of Delta State who joined the APC in the last dispensation are being considered.

Also shortlisted is a former Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Sen. Godswill Akpabio. Mr. Akpabio is currently the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

Another source however said the power brokers in the presidency are looking in the way of Chief Don Etiebet, a former Petroleum Minister and one time chairman of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). Etiebet was ANPP's chair when President Muhammadu Buhari first ran for presidency in 2003.

The source further disclosed that an emergency NEC meeting of the party may soon be convened to ratify the choice of the party hierarchy.

The meeting of the governors South-South geopolitical zone which took place in Asaba has just ended, Governors' Mandate can report.

Far reaching decisions bothering on Security, public health and economic development of the region were reached at the meeting which had five of the six governors in attendance.

Addressing newsmen at the end of the meeting, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the Governor of Delta State who doubles as the Chairman of South-South Governors Forum said the governors have resolved to confront the security menace bedeviling the region by setting up a South-South Security Commission. He said modalities for the establishment of the outfit would commence soon.

Speaking further, he announced the governors resolve to set up a joint response center for the rampaging coronavirus disease (n-COVID 19).

Gov. Okowa finally declared the intention of the governors to revive the BRACED Commission to address development issues in the region.