The 17 Governors from Southern Nigeria under the aegis of the Southern Governors Forum of Nigeria had their meeting on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at Government House, in Asaba, Delta State.
The meeting was held to review the current security situation in the nation and also focus on agitation about restructuring, prospect for inter-state collaboration as well as a partnership towards the incidence of the Covid-19 Pandemic among others.
During the meeting, the Governors agreed on different rising issues and also focus on recommending several solutions to solve the nation.
At the meeting, the Governors confirmed that the people of Southern Nigeria remain committed to the unity of Nigeria based on justice, fairness, equity, oneness, and peaceful coexistence among its people with the focus on shared goals for economic development and prosperity in the region.
The Governors observed that the incursion of armed herders, criminals, and bandits into the Southern part of the country has presented severe security challenges such that citizens are not able to live their normal lives which include various productive activities leading to a threat to the food supply and general security.
Also, the Governors, explained that the development and population growth has put pressure on the availability of land which has increased the prospects of conflict between migrating herders and the local populations in the South.
The Governors after considering the scenario of the security challenges caused by the armed herders and various activities hereby agreed to ban open grazing of cattle across the Southern States of Nigeria and also the movement of cattle across the South by foot.
After the ban on the movement of cattle to the South, the Governors also recommended to the Federal Government to support willing States to develop alternative and modern livestock management systems.
Also, the Governors called for the progress of the nation and agreed that the Federal Government as a matter of urgency takes bold steps to restructure the Nigerian Federation which will lead to the evolution of state police, review of revenue allocation formula in favor of the sub-national governments, and also for the creations of other institutions which legitimately will advance the commitment of true federalism practice.
The Governors, based on the widespread agitations among various people from the region for greater inclusiveness in existing governance arrangements, recommended that the Federal Government as a matter of urgency make to convoke a national dialogue.
The Governors also recommended to the Federal Government to review the appointments into Federal Government Agencies (including Security Agencies) to reflect the federal character as Nigeria’s heterogeneous population.
However, to foster cooperation among the Southern States and the nation at large, the Governors resolved that Secretaries to the Government of the Southern States are to work together to develop and institutionalize a mechanism that will foster partnership towards the advancements of economic advantage and other interests of the Southern States.
The Governors also expressed concern about the continued gridlock on the Apapa Expressway and the chokehold it has caused on the nation’s economy being the sole outlet from Apapa Wharf.
The Governors also recommended the activation and establishment of ports in other states of the federation to create new jobs and promote socio-economy activities in the country.
Also at the meeting, the Governors cautioned against the implications of another lockdown on the country while suggested for greater coordination and cooperation between Federal and State Governments in evolving strategies for dealing with the pandemic.
The Governors during the meeting also expressed grave concerned about the security challenges which is currently plaguing the nation and strongly urge the President to address Nigerians on the challenges of insecurity to restore confidence in the citizens.
The 17 Southern Governors who attended the meeting includes, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State as the host, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, Governor of Ondo State; His Excellency Dr. Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, Governor of Abia State; His Excellency Chief Emmanuel Udom, Governor of Akwa Ibom; His Excellency Senator Diri Douyi, Governor of Bayelsa State; His Excellency Willie Obiano, Governor of Anambra State; His Excellency Prof. Ben Ayade, Governor of Cross River, His Excellency Engr. David Umahi, Governor of Ebonyi State; His Excellency Godwin Obaseki, Governor of Edo State.
Others are Governor John Olukayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, His Excellency Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Governor of Enugu State; His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma, Governor of Imo State; His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State; His Excellency Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, Governor of Osun State; His Excellency Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde, Governor of Oyo State and Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.
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