- Support co-existence, unity of Nigeria based on justice, equity, fairness
- Call on FG to do more to resolve insecurity
- Ban Open Grazing
- Urge FG to convoke national dialogue
- Call for cooperation between states on impending Covid-19 lockdown
The historic meeting of the Southern Nigeria Governors’ Forum ended in Asaba, the Delta State capital, Tuesday with a call for the federal government to do more to address the increasing spate of insecurity; restructure the country and promote unity and equity to silence the drumbeat of war across Nigeria.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the 15 Southern Governors in attendance expressed support for the unity and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians on the basis of equity, justice and fairness for economic development and prosperity.
On insecurity as it affects the Southern States, the meeting 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 security and citizens’ overall wellbeing.
Consequently, the meeting resolved that open grazing of cattle be banned across Southern Nigeria, even as they called on the federal government to support states in the South that are willing to key into the National Livestock Management programme.
It was also resolved that the complexity of the problems in the country including poor development and insecurity calls for urgent restructuring of the federation to usher in state policing and promote institutions that will advance true federalism.
While the governors also agreed on the need for greater inclusiveness in governance, they called on the federal government to convoke a national dialogue, stressing that appointments into federal government agencies and parastatals including the military, police and other para-military should reflect the principle of federal character as enshrined in the 1999 constitution as amended.
The Southern Governors’ Forum also highlighted the threat which Covid-19 pandemic is posing, especially its effect in other parts of the world. It was therefore resolved that states should demonstrate cooperation with the federal government on the Covid restrictions re-introduced by the federal government on Monday, just as they urged Abuja to evolve new strategies to curb the spread of the pandemic.
The communiqué was signed by the Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Akeredolu, SAN, Dr. Victor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, Chief Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom State, Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra State, Senator Diri Duoye of Bayelsa State and Prof. Ben Ayade of Cross Rivers State.
Others who signed the communiqué include Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State who is the chief host, Engr. David Umahi of Ebonyi State, Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, Dr. Olukayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Senator Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Isiaka Adegboyega of Osun State, Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde of Oyo State and Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.
