Southern Governors’ Forum Tasks Buhari To Convoke National Dialogue, Bans Open Grazing

BY AMOS DUNIA, ABUJA – The Southern Governors Forum rose from its meeting in Asaba, Delta State on Tuesday, stressing that in view of widespread agitations among the various peoples for greater inclusiveness in existing governance arrangements, the Federal Government should convoke a national dialogue as a matter of urgency.

The meeting strongly recommended that in deference to the sensitivities of the 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;

The governors also resolved to ban open grazing of cattle across Southern Nigeria, adding 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.

They however 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;

The Southern Governors also noted 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.

These were contained in a communique issued at the end of the meeting of the Governors in which they noted The Southern Governors said that 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 communique which was read by the Governor of Ondo State, who is also the Chairman of the Forum, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, said the meeting also 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.

The governors equally recommended that the Federal Government should support WILLING States to develop alternative and modern livestock management systems;

The Southern Governors 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;

The communique further states; “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 institutionalize a mechanism to foster this cooperation which will advance the comparative economic advantages and other interests of the Southern States;

“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

In attendance at the meeting were the Chairman of the Forum, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN

Governor, Ondo State, Governors Victor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, Chief Emmanuel Udom – Akwa Ibom, Senator Diri Draoye – Bayelsa, Willie Obiano – Anambra, Prof. Ben Ayade – Cross Rivers, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa – Delta State and Engr. David Umahi – Ebonyi.

The list also include; Governors Godwin Obaseki – Edo State, John Olukayode Fayemi – Ekiti State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi – Enugu State, Senator Hope Uzodimma – Imo, Babajide Sanwo-Olu – Lagos, Dapo Abiodun – Ogun, Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola –

Osun, Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde – Oyo and Ezenwo Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.