…Demand Proactive Action By FG
Moses Ofodeme
Seventeen Governors from the southern part of the country met on Tuesday, May 11, in Asaba, Delta State to discuss collective security challenges of the region.
At the meeting, they rolled out measures that they will be taking to tackle the insecurity in the South-East and South-South region of the country.
The Governors demanded that President, Muhammadu Buhari should urgently address Nigerians on the challenges of insecurity and restore the confidence of the people.
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.
They affirmed that the people of Southern Nigeria remain committed to the unity of Nigeria on the basis of justice, fairness, equity, oneness, as well as peaceful co-existence between and among its peoples with a focus on the attainment of shared goals for economic development and prosperity.
The Governors expressed very grave concern on the security challenges currently plaguing the nation and also strongly urged that Mr. President to address Nigerians on the challenges of insecurity and restore the confidence of our people.
“We observed that the incursion of armed herders, criminals, and also 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 Nigeria.
“Agreed that the progress of the nation requires that urgent as well as 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; as well as 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.” they demanded.
The forum expressed concern about the continued gridlock on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.
The meeting, therefore, recommended the activation and establishment of ports in other states of the federation; to create new jobs and also promote socio-economic activities in the country.
The Southern Governors also 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.
Fifteen governors were in attendance at the meeting. They are Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa; Dr Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti); Nyesom Wike (Rivers); Godwin Obaseki (Edo); Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); Seyi Makinde (Oyo); as well as Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos).
Others are Douye Diri (Bayelsa); Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia); Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu); Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo); David Umahi (Ebonyi); Willie Obiano (Anambra). Imo as well as Akwa Ibom States were represented by their deputy governors; while Osun and Cross Rivers states were absent at the meeting.