The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has said it does not comment on political issues to avoid being seen as partisan.

The forum’s Director-General, Abdulateef Shittu, stated this on a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.

Shittu said that as a technical and policy hub, NGF was expected to steer clear of taking positions that might alienate members with varying political interests.

He said that the forum had received media enquiries requesting it to comment on some recent political developments in the country.

“The forum wishes to clarify that it is an umbrella body for sub-national governments to promote unified policy positions and collaborate with relevant stakeholders in pursuit of sustainable socio-economic growth and the well-being of the people.

“As a technical and policy hub comprising governors elected on different platforms, the body elects to steer clear of taking positions that may alienate members with varying political interests.

“In whatever language it is written, taking positions on contentious partisan issues would mean a poor sense of history.

“Just a few years ago, the forum survived a fundamental division following political differences among its members,” he said.

Shittu, however, said that regardless, the forum was reputed for its bold positions on governance and general policy matters of profound consequences.

These, according to him, include wages, taxes, education and universal healthcare, among others.

He called for the understanding of the public and the media, confident that appropriate platforms and crisis management mechanisms would take care of any of such issues. (NAN)