At its meeting held today, 11th May, 2021, the Southern Governors Forum said it has reviewed the general situation in Nigeria, with focused on the current security situation, and has decided that open grazing of livestock be banned in the region.
The governors also said they conducted a review of current agitations for restructuring, prospects for inter-state collaboration and partnerships, as well as deliberated on the incidence of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rising from the meeting, they collectively “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 coexistence between and among its peoples with a focus on the attainment of shared goals for economic development and prosperity.
“Observed that the incursion of armed herders, criminalsand 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 insecurity. Consequently, the meeting resolved that open grazing be banned across Southern Nigeria.”
They also “noted that development and population growth has put pressure on available land and increased 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 the revenue formula in favor of the sub-national governments and creation of other institutions which legitimately advance our commitment to and practice of true federalism.
“Recommend that in view of the 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.
“Recommend 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 heterogeneous.”
The governors further 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 institutionize a mechanism to foster this cooperation, which is expected to advance the comparative economic advantages and other interests of states in southern Nigeria.
The forum expressed concern on the continued gridlock on the Oshodi – Apapa Expressway and chokehold it has exerted on the nation’s economy, being the sole outlet from Apapa Wharf.
They therefore recommended the activation and establishment of ports in other states of the federation in order to create new jobs and promote socio economic activities in the country.
Furthermore, the meeting expressed concern on the economic implications of another lockdown on the country and suggested greater coordination and cooperation between federal and state governments in evolving strategies for dealing with the pandemic.
They also expressed very grave concern on the security challenges plaguing the nation and strongly urged that President Buhari address Nigerians on the challenges of insecurity and restore the confidence of the people.
Finally, the southern governors expressed gratitude to their host, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State for his generosity and hospitality.
All the governors from southern Nigeria were in attendance. They include
Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,
governor of Ondo State; Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, governor of Abia State; Mr. Udom Emmanuel,
governor of Akwa Ibom State: and Chief Willie Obiano,
governor of Anambra State.
Others are Senator Diri Duoye,
governor of Bayelsa State; Prof Ben Ayade, governor of Cross River State; Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta State; Engr Dave Umahi, governor of Ebonyi State, and Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo State.
Present at the meeting also was John Olukayode Fayemi, governor of Ekiti State; Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, governor of Enugu State, as well as Senator Hope Uzodinma,
Governor of Imo State; Babajide Sanwo Olu,
governor of Lagos State; Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun State; Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, governor of Osun State; Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde, governor of Oyo State and Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, the governor of Rivers State.
