Governors of the 17 states in the Southern part of Nigeria have demanded restructuring of the nation into a true and balanced federation. They also called for state police in view of the worsening insecurity across the country; while they rejected open grazing of livestock animals which has been the major source of bloody clashes between herders and farmers nationwide.
They reviewed the situation in the nation generally and focused on the current security situation, agitations/restructuring, prospect for inter-state collaboration and partnerships as well as on the incidence of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
These among others were contained in a 12-point communique at the end of their meeting under the umbrella of Southern Governors Forum on Tuesday May 11 in Asaba, Delta State capital.
The communique which was read by the Forum’s Chairman and Obdo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, stressed the need to enforce the ban on open grazing and cattle movement to the South by foot because of threat to security and food supply.
They affirmed that the people of Southern Nigeria remain committed the unity of the country on the basis of justice, fairness equality and oneness and peaceful co-existence between and among its peoples with a focus on the attainment of shared goals for economic development and prosperity.
The governors recommended that the Federal Government should support willing states to develop alternative and modern livestock management systems.
The Forum:
- Affirmed that the peoples of Southern Nigeria remain committed to the unity of Nigeria on the basis of justice, fairness, equity and oneness and peaceful co-existence between and among its peoples with a focus on the attainment of shared goals for economíc development and prosperity;
- 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 Nigería;
- Noted 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);
- Recommended that the Federal Government should support WILLING States to develop alternative and modern livestock management systems;
- 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;
- Recommended 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;
- Recommended that in deference to the sensitivities of our various peoples, there is need to review appointments into Federal Government Agencies (including Security Agencies) to reflect federal character as Nigeria’s overall population is heterogenous
- Resolved to foster cooperation among the Southern States and the nation at large. In this connection, Secretaries to the Governments of the Southern States are to work together to develop and institutionalize a mechanism to foster this cooperation which will advance the comparative economic advantages and other interests of the Southern States;
- Expressed 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 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 meeting 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;
- Expressed very grave concern on the security challenge 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; and
- Expressed gratitude to our host, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his generosity and hospitality.
The communique was signed by Akeredolu, SAN; Dr. Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, Governor, Abia State; Chief Emmanuel Udom, Akwa Ibom; Senator Diri Duoye, Bayelsa; Willie Obiano, Anambra; Prof. Ben Ayade, Cross Rivers; Senator Dr. feanyi Okowa, Delta; Engr. David Umahi, Ebonyi; Godwin Obaseki, Edo; Dr John Olukayode Fayemi, Ekiti; Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Enugu; Senator Hope Uzodimma, Imo; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos; Dapo Abiodun, Ogun; Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, Osun; Engineer Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde, Oyo; and Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, Rivers.
