Governors in the 17 States of Southern Nigeria have banned open grazing.
They also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to address the insecurity rocking the nation.
They made their views known in a 12-point communique read by the Chairman of Southern Governors’ Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State.
The Governors converged on Asaba for a 4-hour meeting in Asaba, Delta State
The Southern Governors affirmed the commitment of the people of Southern Nigerian to the unity of the country on the basis of Justice, fairness, equity and oneness, and peaceful co-existence between and among its people.
According to Governor Akeredolu, “Southern Governors expressed very grave concern on the security challenges 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.
“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;
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.
“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.”
Fifteen governors were in attendance at the meeting.
They are 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).
Others are 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, while Osun and Cross Rivers states were absent at the meeting.
Summarising the deliberations and consensus, host and governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa (@IAOkowa) said that, “Earlier today, at the meeting of the Southern Governors at the Government House in Asaba, we discussed strategies and solutions to address the spate of insecurity across Nigeria.
“We also reaffirmed the commitment of southern states to the unity of Nigeria on the basis of equity, oneness and peaceful co-existence — while also resolving that open grazing of cattle be banned across all the southern states to promote peace.
“Additionally, the Governors in attendance were in agreement that in order to reduce livestock-related conflicts, the Federal Government should partner with states to develop modern livestock management systems.
“Finally, we resolved to call upon the Federal Government to begin the process of restructuring Nigeria to improve our security, address the current revenue allocation systems, and engender greater inclusivity amongst all Nigerians.“
Read also:
Ondo SSG Says, Rotimi Akeredolu Did Not Win Governorship Election
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