The Southern Governors Forum has called for the convocation of a National Dialogue and creation of State Police to address the growing security challenges facing the country.
They made the call in Asaba, Delta State on Tuesday where a 12-point communique was issued and read by the Forum’s Chairman and Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu after their meeting.
In the communique, the governors demanded equity in governance, as well as an end to the massive incursion of armed herders, criminals and bandits into the southern part of the country.
The Governors said: “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.”
The 15 Governors present at the meeting also called for restructuring of the country and the evolution of state police to tackle the myriad of insecurity issues facing the country.
It expressed grave concern on the nation’s current security challenges and urged President Muhammadu Buhari to address Nigerians on the challenges and restore the confidence of the people.
The forum further affirmed that the peoples of Southern Nigeria remained committed to the unity of Nigeria on the basis of justice, fairness, equity and oneness and peaceful co-existence between and among its peoples.
It said the unity was with a focus to the attainment of shared goals for economic development and prosperity.
The forum observed that the incursion of armed herders, criminals and bandits into the southern part of the country had presented a severe security challenge to it.
It said that as a result, the citizens were no longer able to live their normal lives including pursuing various productive activities.
“This is leading to a threat to food supply and general security. Consequently, the meeting resolved that open grazing of cattle be banned across Southern Nigeria.
“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),” the Governors stated.
They also recommended that the federal government support willing states to develop alternative and modern livestock management systems, calling for the review of revenue allocation formula in favour of the sub-national governments and creation of other institutions which legitimately advance the country’s commitment to the practice of true federalism.
The forum emphasised the need for the review of appointments into federal government agencies, including security agencies, to reflect federal character, whilst expressing concern on the continued gridlock on the Oshodi -Apapa Expressway and the chokehold it had exerted on the nation’s economy.
It 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 forum further expressed concern on the economic implications of another COVID-19 lockdown on the country. It suggested greater coordination and cooperation between the federal and state governments in evolving strategies for dealing with the pandemic.
In attendance at the meeting were Governors Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Willi Obiano of Anambra, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Godwin Obaseki of Edo and David Umehi of Ebonyi.
Others were Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Nyesom Wike of Rivers.
The Governors of Akwa Ibom and Imo were represented by their deputies, Mr Moses Ekpo and Prof. Placcid Njoku respectively.
Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade and Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola were the only ones absent from the crucial meeting.
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