The Governors of Southern Nigeria, comprising South East, South South, and South West Governors, met and had extensive discussions. They came out to ban open grazing in all seventeen southern states, called for a review of the federal allocations formula and demanded that Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Retd) call for a national dialogue to discuss the numerous agitations and disquiet in the regions of the country.
The Governors who made the call at their meeting held at Delta state government House, Asaba, today, 11th May, 2021, emphasized that the national meeting is imperative in view of widespread agitations and security breaches across the country.
Presenting a communique on behalf of other governors, Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, stated that they reviewed the security situation and agitations in the country.
While affirming the commitment of composing states to the unity of Nigeria, founded on justice, equity, oneness, and peaceful coexistence for the economic development of the Country.
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The governors also called for bold steps to be taken for the restructuring of the country, review of appointments into federal government agencies, including security agencies.
Among other things, the governors who said that unhindered movement of herders has presented huge security challenge, emphasized that it has hindered productivity, stating their resolve to ban open grazing of cattle across the Southern states.
They asked the federal government to support states who are willing to develop a modern livestock management system.
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.
Obiano echoes ban on open grazing
“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. Surprisingly or not so surprisingly, they had no words for the Enugu-Onitsha and Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressways in great despair.
In attendance were fifteen governors and two deputy governors representing the governors of Imo and Akwa Ibom States. The governors of Osun and Cross Rover didn’t show up nor were they represented.
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