Governors Of The Southern States Call On Buhari To Speak Up Against Security Challenges.
.... Insists On Complete Ban Of Open Grazing, Request The Activation Of Ports In Other states.
Southern Governors on Tuesday May 11 2021 met at the Delta state government house Asaba for a crucial mweritng. The governors called on the federal government to as a matter of urgency, convey a national dialogue on the agitations of different groups and people regarding the security challenges been faced all over the country.
The governors focused on the current security challenges, agitation and restructuring, and also assessed the prospect for inter- state collaboration and partnerships not leaving the pandemic and matters arising from #COVID-19.
Asks the federal government to move to reflect federal character in all it's appointments especially as regards the country's security architecture
A communique read at the end of the meeting, by the Chairman of the Southern Governors forum Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, stated that the forum Affirms the commitment of the people in Southern to the unity of Nigeria "on the basis of Justice, fairness, equity, oneness and peaceful co- existence between and among its people with a focus on the attainment of shared goals for economic development and prosperity."
The forum also 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, it was resolved that open grazing of cattle be banned across southern Nigeria noting that development and population growth has put pressure on available land and increased the prospects of conflict between migrating herders and local populations in the South. Given this scenario, it becomes imperative to enforce the ban on open grazing in the South including cattle movement to the South by foot.
The governors also recommended that the Federal Government should support willing states to develop alternative and modern livestock management systems, and 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.
Also noting that 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.
Also pointing out that in diference to the sensitiveness of our various peoples, the governors agreed that there is need to review appointments into Federal Government Agencies including Security Agencies to reflect federal character as Nigeria's overall population is heterogeneous.
Resolving to foster cooperation among the southern states and nation at large while expressing concern on the continued gridlock on the Oshodi- Apapa Expressway and the chokehold it has exerted on the nation's economy being the sole outlet from Apapa Wharf the govenrors 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.
Expressing concern on the economic implications of another lockdown on the country, and therefore suggested greater coordination and cooperation between the Federal and State Governments in evolving strategies for dealing with the pandemic.
The governors stressed on the security challenge currently plaguing the nation and strongly urged that President Buhari to address Nigerians on challenges of insecurity and restore the confidence of our people while expressing gratitude to their host, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his generosity.
In attendance at the meeting were ;
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State,
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state,
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state,
Governor Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom State,
Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state,
Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River state ,
Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi state,
Governor Olukayode Fayemi of Ekiti State,
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State,
Govenror Nyesome Wike of Rivers State,
Governor Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde, of Oyo State
Prof. Placid Njoku the Deputy Governor of Imo State,
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, and
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state.
Governor Diri Duoye of Bayelsa state,
Governor Isiala Adegboyega Adetola of Osun state, and
Govenror Godwin Obaseki of Edo state.
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