Southern Governors call for restructuring, national conference; ban open grazing

 

The governors of 17 southern states of Nigeria, meeting under the Southern Governors Forum, have called for urgent restructuring of the country, in order to devolve more powers to the federating units and advance the nation’s commitment to true federalism.

The governors while expressing concern over the current state of insecurity that has enveloped the country demanded that President Muhammadu Buhari address Nigerians and restore the people’s confidence.

In a 12-point communique read by its Chairman, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, at the end of over four hours meeting held in Asaba, Delta State capital, the governors affirmed that the people of Southern Nigeria remain committed to the unity of Nigeria, on the basis of justice, fairness, equity, oneness, and peaceful co-existence between and among its peoples with a focus on the attainment of shared goals for economic development and prosperity.

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The communique said, “Southern Governors expressed very grave concern on the security challenges currently plaguing the nation and strongly urged that Mr. President should address Nigerians on the challenges of insecurity and restore the confidence of our people.

“We observed that the incursion of armed herders, criminals, and bandits into the Southern part of the country has presented a severe security challenge such that citizens are not able to live their normal lives including pursuing various productive activities leading to a threat to food supply and general security.

“Consequently, the meeting resolved that open grazing of cattle be banned across Southern Nigeria.

“Agreed that the progress of the nation requires that urgent and bold steps be taken to restructure the Nigerian Federation leading to the evolution of state police, review of revenue allocation formula in favour of the sub-national governments and creation of other institutions which legitimately advance our commitment to and practice of true federalism.

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“In view of widespread agitations among our various peoples for greater inclusiveness in existing governance arrangements, the Federal Government should convoke a national dialogue as a matter of urgency.”

The forum also expressed concern about the continued gridlock on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway in Lagos and consequently recommended the activation and establishment of ports in other states of the federation to create new jobs and promote socio-economic activities in the country.

The governors further expressed concern on the economic implications of another lockdown on the country and suggested greater coordination and cooperation between federal and state governments in evolving strategies for dealing with the pandemic.

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Fifteen governors were in attendance at the meeting.

They are Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Dr Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos).

Others are Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), David Umahi (Ebonyi), Willie Obiano (Anambra).

The governors of Imo and Akwa Ibom states were represented by their deputies, while Osun and Cross Rivers states were absent at the meeting and never sent any representation.