Contrary to earlier impression that the emergence of Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel  as the new Chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum was a unanimous decision, a fresh row has emerged on Sunday over the issue as Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has dissociated himself from the purported election of Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State as the chairman of the Governors’ Forum of Nigeria 

Comrade Oshiomhole who stated this  at a news conference in Benin City said the media report was embarrassing and unfair.

According to the governor, “there was this news item credited to Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue state in which he stated that, Governor Gbenga Daniel was elected as the chairman of the Governors’ Forum. I was taken aback when I heard the story”.

The Governor disclosed that the out-going chairman, Dr. Bukola Saraki had reconvened a meeting of the Governors’ Forum for Wednesday (November 3), saying part of the agenda for the meeting was to elect a new chairman for the forum.

“I have since checked out and I can confirm as a matter of fact that there was no meeting of the Governors’ Forum. The Governors’ Forum is going to meet on Wednesday, however some People’s Democratic Party governors met at a venue that was never a venue of our meeting at Governor Gbenga Daniel’s lodge and it was at that forum that they are now claiming to represent the Governors’ Forum”, he said.

Oshiomhole who explained that any governor could aspire to the position, however noted that, “anyone who nurses such position should be ready to persuade other governors to accept him” 

Expressing disappointment at the attitude of the governors, Comrade Oshiomhole said “if a forum of thirty six governors cannot freely choose a chairman of the Governors’ Forum, then we cannot be talking about a free and fair election in 2011”

He however argued that the Governors’ Forum have a responsibility to lead by example, adding that their action was “completely distasteful and embarrassing”.

“If governors will seek to outsmart each other and manipulate a process that is fairly simple and straight forward, how can we expect that as leaders we are all committed to genuine electoral reforms”, he noted.

The Edo State Governor therefore advised any state governor interested in the chairmanship of the Governors’ Forum to take the right channel instead of passing through the back door.

 In his words, “whatever the governors do, make several statements about their commitment to democratic norms and values”.

 Also, Garbadeen Mohammed the director of publicity of the Bukola Saraki Presidential campaign said that hwe is aware thateven the secretariat of the Governors forum is not aware of the purported election. In an SMS  to Newsdiaryonline  this evening ,Garbadeen said ``ABS 2011 is unaffected  by Governor Suswam’s announcement .It is  a matter for the secretariat of the Nigerian Governors  Forum.’’

Garbadeen added `` We are however aware that the NGF secretariat has said it is  not aware of any changes in the leadership of of the  NGF.ABS 2011 remains focused on its objective  which is to convince Nigerians  that Dr Abubakar Bukola saraki is by far the best choice to lead Nigeria at this crucial time’’

Efforts to speak with the DG of the governors’ forum failed as his line was unavailable .There was no response to the text message sent to him as well.