The Progressive Governors Forum has denied reports claiming that Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, was removed as chairman of the forum.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Director General of the forum, Folorunso Aluko, the PGF described the report as “false and misleading.”
“The attention of the Progressive Governors Forum has been drawn to a false and misleading report circulating in some media platforms alleging the removal of its Chairman, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON,” the statement read.
The forum stated that no meeting was held where such a decision was taken, insisting that Uzodimma remains the chairman of the body.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Progressive Governors Forum states categorically that the report is entirely false, baseless, and without an iota of truth,” the statement added.
The PGF further said its secretariat had no knowledge of any resolution removing the Imo governor from office.
“The PGF secretariat has no record of, and is not aware of, any resolution removing the Chairman. His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, remains the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum,” it stated.
The forum also maintained that it remains united and focused on its responsibilities, urging members of the public and the media to disregard the report.
In a related development, the Senate on Thursday rescinded amendments to its Standing Orders after lawmakers raised concerns that key provisions conflicted with the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The Red Chamber had, on Tuesday, amended its standing rules to restrict eligibility for presiding and principal officer positions.
These changes appeared to shut the door on several high-profile hopefuls for the 11th National Assembly in June 2027, including Senators Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Kabiru Marafa (Zamfara Central), and Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), among others rumoured to be positioning themselves for leadership roles.
The amendment process sparked a heated exchange on Wednesday between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole during the adoption of Votes and Proceedings from Tuesday’s sitting.
However, during Thursday’s plenary, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele raised a motion to backtrack.
He argued that certain clauses introduced under Order 2, Subsection 2 and Order 3, Subsection 1 could create “constitutional inconsistencies and unintended tensions” with Section 52 of the Constitution.
He noted that the Senate possesses the inherent authority to “revisit, rescind, and recommit” any previous decision to preserve the integrity of its legislative framework.
The Senate subsequently resolved to rescind the controversial amendments.
In a swift reaction, Senator Oshiomhole criticised the original process, labelling it rushed and flawed.
“The way we rushed the rules because certain people wanted certain things concluded is the flaw in this process. Next time, we should allow for proper debate,” Oshiomhole said.
The Senate Standing Orders serve as the primary rules governing the conduct and proceedings of the upper legislative chamber.
Earlier before rescinding the amendments, Oshiomhole asked Akpabio to resign if the National Assembly adopts the rule requiring senators to serve at least eight consecutive years before qualifying for the office of Senate President.
Oshiomhole faulted the move, describing it as morally flawed and self-serving, arguing that Akpabio himself would not meet such a requirement based on his own time in the Senate.
“So, if we pass the rules that you must do eight consecutive years before you can be Senate President, it means he (Akpabio) has to lead by example, by vacating, because he’s presiding without acquiring the appropriate qualification,” he said.
Oshiomhole also warned against altering legislative rules to serve personal or political interests, insisting that leadership positions should not be manipulated to narrow competition.
Referencing former Senate President David Mark, Oshiomhole argued that previous leaders attained their positions without changing rules to secure advantage.
