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Governors insist on southern President, set deadline for open grazing ban
The Forum reiterates its commitment to the politics of equity, fairness and unanimously agrees that the presidency of Nigeria be rotated between Southern and Northern Nigeria and resolved that the next president of Nigeria should emerge from the Southern Region
Nigerian governors from the 17 southern states have unanimously agreed that the next President of the country should emerge from within their region.
The governors also set a September deadline for the promulgation of laws on the ban of Open Grazing of cattle in their various states.
These were part of the resolutions reached at the meeting of the Southern Governors’ Forum which held at Lagos House, Alausa, on Monday.
They also resolved that the presidency of Nigeria be rotated between Southern and Northern Nigeria, reiterating their earlier call for true federalism and devolution of powers to states.
Ondo State Governor and chairman of the Forum, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, reiterated the forum’s commitment to the politics of equity, fairness while re-affirming the Forum’s commitment to the unity of Nigeria on the pillars of justice, progress and peaceful co-existence between and amongst its people.
The Forum reviewed the security situation in the country and commended security operatives for their relentless efforts in restoring security and safety while commiserating with families and loved ones of those who have fallen in the line of duty.
Governors present at the meeting were: Delta – Ifeanyi Okowa; Rivers – Nyensom Wike; Ogun – Dapo Abiodun; Lagos State – Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Osun – Gboyega Oyetola; Akwa Ibom – Emmanuel Udom; Ekiti – Kayode Fayemi; Bayelsa – Douye Diri; Oyo – Seyi Makinde and Enugu – Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Representing their governors were: Edo – Deputy Governor, Philip Shuaibu; Imo – Deputy Governor, Placid Njokwu; Abia State – Oko Chukwu and Ebonyi – Kelechi Igwe.
The governors of Anambra and Cross River states were absent.
READ: Southern Governors reject 30% profit share of oil by northern states
The Forum, after reviewing the situation in the country, especially the current security situation, constitutional amendment, Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), resolved as follows:
“Re-affirmed their commitment to the unity of Nigeria on the pillars of equity, fairness, justice, progress and peaceful co-existence between and amongst its people.
“The Forum reiterates its commitment to the politics of equity, fairness and unanimously agrees that the presidency of Nigeria be rotated between Southern and Northern Nigeria and resolved that the next president of Nigeria should emerge from the Southern Region.
“On security, the forum reviewed the security situation in the country and commends security operatives for their relentless efforts in restoring security and safety and commiserates with families and loved ones of those who have fallen in the line of duty;
“Re-emphasised the need for State Police;
“Resolved that if for any reason security institutions need to undertake an operation in any state, the Chief Security Officer of the State must be duly informed.
“The forum frowns at selective criminal administration of Justice and resolved that, arrests should be made within the ambit of the Law and fundamental human rights; Set a timeline of Wednesday, 1st September 2021 for the promulgation of the anti-open grazing law in all Member States; and
“Resolved that Funds deducted from the Federation Account for the Nigeria Police Security Trust Fund should be distributed among the States and Federal Government to combat security challenges.
READ: Southern Governors call for restructuring, national conference; ban open grazing
“Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) Law: The Forum commends the National Assembly for the progress made in the passage of the PIB.
“The Forum rejects the proposed 3% and supports the 5% share of the oil revenue to the host community as recommended by the House of Representatives.
“The forum also rejects the proposed 30 per cent share of profit for the exploration of oil and gas in the basins.
“However, the forum rejects the ownership structure of the proposed Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC). The Forum disagrees that the company be vested in the Federal Ministry of Finance but should be held in trust by Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) since all tiers of Government have stakes in that vehicle.
“In order to consolidate our democracy and strengthen the Electoral process, the Southern Governors’ Forum rejects the removal of the Electronic transmission of the election result from the electoral act; and also rejects the confirmation of exclusive jurisdiction in pre-election matters on the Federal High Court.
“The Forum unanimously chose Lagos State as its permanent secretariat and appreciated the Governor of Lagos State for the wonderful hosting of this meeting while commending him for his good work in the State.”
