Moses Ofodeme
Nigeria’s Southern Governors have indicated their readiness to implement the anti grazing law.
At their meeting in Lagos, the Governors set a timeline of Wednesday, September, 1, 2021 for the promulgation of the anti open grazing law in all member States.
The Forum reviewed the security situation in the country and commended security operatives for their relentless efforts in restoring security and safety and commiserates with families and loved ones of those who have fallen in the line of duty.
The Governors also re-emphasised the need for State Police and resolved that if for any reason security institutions need to undertake an operation in any State, the Chief Security Officer of the State must be duly informed just as the forum frowned at selective criminal administration of Justice and resolved that arrests should be made within the ambit of the Law and fundamental human rights.
The Governors who met on Monday, July 5, 2021, unanimously rejected the proposed allocation of at least 30 per cent of the profit generated by the proposed Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited for the exploration of crude oil in frontier basins, as identified by Section 9 of the recently passed PIB.
The Governors demanded a 5 per cent share of the profit to host communities; instead of the 3 per cent stipulated in the Bill.
In a communique signed by the Governor of Ondo State and Chairman, Southern Governors’ Forum, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the Governor said, “The Forum rejects the proposed 3% and supports the 5% share of the oil revenue to the host community; as recommended by the House of Representatives.
“The forum also rejects the proposed 30% share of profit for the exploration of oil and gas in the basins.
“The forum rejects the ownership structure of the proposed Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited. Also, the Forum disagrees that the company be vested in the Federal Ministry of Finance; but should be held in trust by Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority; since all tiers of Government have stakes in that vehicle,” stated the communique.