Come out to address the world over insecurity in Nigeria, Governors tell President Buhari

The Governors of Southern Nigeria on Tuesday asked President Muhammed Buhari to come out and address the world following the insecurity that has pervaded the country, just as they (Governors) also declared to ban open grazing across the zone.

Penpushing reports that, the Governors made the declaration in a 13 point communiqué issued at the end of their meeting held at Government House, Asaba in Delta State, adding that the forum  reviewed the situation in the nation generally and focused on the current security situation.

The Governors added that they equally addressed issues which include agitations/restructuring, prospect for Inter-state collaboration and partnerships as well as the on the incidence of the coronavirus pandemic.

Penpushing further reports that, rising from the meeting the forum resolved and  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,

*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,

*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 advance the comparative economic advantages and other interests of Southern States,

*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. 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 therfore 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 challenges 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

Penpushing also reports that, the Governors in attendance and also signed the communiqué include: Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu( Ondo State),Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu(Abia State),Mr. Udom Emmanuel(Akwa Ibom State),Chief Willie Obiano( Anambra State),Senator Diri Duoye( Bayelsa State), Prof Ben Ayade(Cross River State),Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa(Delta State),Engr Dave Umahi( Ebonyi State) and Godwin Obaseki( Edo State)

The others are: John Olukayode Fayemi(Ekiti State),Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi( Enugu State),Senator Hope Uzodinma(Imo State),Babajide Sanwo Olu(Lagos State),Dapo Abiodun( Ogun State), Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola (Osun State),Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde(Oyo State) and Ezenwo Nyesom Wike (Rivers State)

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