Governors in the Southern States of Nigeria has reinstated that the conditions that could make the unity of Nigeria non-negotiable are the principles of justice, fairness, equity, oneness and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians with the consciousness of shared goals for economic development and prosperity.
The governors also reaffirmed their position that open grazing of cattle remains banned in the entire Southern part of Nigeria.
These were parts of the resolutions made at the Southern States Governors Meeting held today in Asaba, Delta State.
In attendance were: Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Dr Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), David Umahi (Ebonyi), Willie Obiano (Anambra). Imo and Akwa Ibom States were represented by their deputy governors. Only Osun State governor, Gboyega Oyetola and his Cross Rivers counterpart, Benedict Ayade were absent.
Reading the 12-point communiqué at the end of the meeting, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State noted that the Southern States Governors expressed very grave concern on the security challenges currently plaguing the nation, calling on President Buhari to address the nation on the challenges of insecurity.
He said, “We 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 Nigeria”.
The forum also pointed out the reason why the Federal Government should not delay in restructuring the country to pave way for the immediate creation state police, review of revenue allocation formula in favour of the sub-national governments and creation of other institutions which legitimately advance genuine federalism.
The Governor said that in view of widespread agitations among various ethnic groups for greater inclusiveness in existing governance arrangements, the Federal Government should convoke a national dialogue to address the genuine agitations of its citizens.
