The State Governors in southern Nigeria met on Tuesday, in Asaba, Delta state, calling for restructuring of the country.
Also, the governors unanimously banned open grazing of cattle across southern Nigeria.
In attendance at the meeting hosted by Delta state Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, were the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Rivers State Governor, Nysome Wike; Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi; Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun; Anambra State governor, Willie Obiano; Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; among others.
While pledging their commitment to a united Nigeria, the governors posited that restructuring would address increasing agitations across the country.
The communique issued at the end of the meeting and signed by all the governors in attendance reads:
At its meeting held today, 11th May, 2021, 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.
Rising from the meeting, the Forum: 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 economic 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 Nigeria; 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; 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.
Signed by:
Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN
Governor, Ondo StateHis Excellency
Dr. Victor Okezie Ikpeazu
Governor, Abia State GovernorHis Excellency
Chief Emmanuel Udom
Akwa Ibom StateHis Excellency
Willie Obiano
Governor, Anambra StateHis Excellency
Senator Diri Duoye
Governor, Bayelsa StateHis Excellency
Prof. Ben Ayade
Governor, Delta StateHis Excellency
Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa
Governor, Cross Rivers StateHis Excellency
Engr. Dave Umahi
Governor, Ebonyi StateHis Excellency
Godwin Obaseki
Governor, Edo StateHis Excellency
John Olukayode Fayemi
Governor, Ekiti StateHis Excellency
Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi
Governor, Enugu StateHis Excellency
Senator Hope Uzodimma
Governor, Imo StateHis Excellency
Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Governor, Lagos StateHis Excellency
Dapo Abiodun
Governor, Ogun StateHis Excellency
Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola
Governor, Osun StateHis Excellency
Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde
Oyo State GovernorHis Excellency
Ezenwo Nyesom Wike Governor
Rivers State
