The governors in 17 states of the southern part of Nigeria
have demanded the President, Muhammadu Buhari to address
Nigerians on the challenges of insecurity and restore the confidence of the
people.
The Forum stated this in a 12-point communique read by its
Chairman, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, at the end of its four hours
meeting held in Asaba, the 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.
He 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.
“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 expressed concern about the continued gridlock on
the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.
The meeting, therefore, 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 Southern Governors also expressed concern on the
economic implications of another lockdown on the country and therefore
suggested greater coordination and cooperation between Federal and State
Governments in evolving strategies for dealing with the pandemic.
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). Imo and Akwa Ibom States were represented by their deputy
governors, while Osun and Cross Rivers states were absent at the meeting.
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