…Greater Collaboration Amongst States

…Security Agencies Appointments Should Reflect Federal Character

…Ban Open Grazing Across Southern Nigeria

…FG Should Convoke a National Dialogue

Rising from a meeting in Asaba, Delta State, on the raging crises in the country, Governors of the 17 southern states have demanded for urgent and bold steps to restructure the Nigerian Federation; leading to the evolution of State Police and the review of revenue allocation formula in favour of the sub-national governments

They also want a united Nigeria founded on “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.”

They also asked that appointments into security agencies should reflect the heterogenous nature of the country unlike now when most of them are headed by northern muslims.

While imposing a ban on open grazing of cattle across southern Nigeria, they asked the Federal Government to support any willing states to develop alternative and modern livestock management systems;

At its meeting, held on Tuesday, the Southern Governors Forum 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. The Forum resolved as follows:

• 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.

Those who attended the meeting include Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, Abia State Governor, Dr. Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Emmanuel Udom, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Diri Draoye, Anambra State Governor, Mr Willie Obiano, Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. feanyi Okowa, Ebonyin State Governor, Mr David Umahi and Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki,

Others are the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, Enugu State Governor, Mr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor, Mr Dapo Abiodun, Osun State Governor, Mr Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, Oyo State Governor, Mr Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde and Rivers State Governor, Mr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike