Restructure Nigeria
Review revenue sharing in favour of states
Sovereign National Conference
Activation of ports in other states
Review of appointments in favour of federal character
Admin l Wednesday, May 12, 2021
ASABA, Delta, Nigeria – Governors in Southern Nigeria have imposed complete ban on open grazing in the region. The governors made this known in a communiqué after their regional meeting in Asaba, Delta State, on Tuesday, 11th, May, 2021.
The governors settled for ban on open grazing after a review of situation in the nation generally. 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.
The governors 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.
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“Consequently, the meeting resolved that open grazing of cattle be banned 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.
“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”, the governors said.
The Southern Nigeria Governors noted 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 forum 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.
Those who signed the communiqué are Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN Governor, Ondo State, His Excellency, His Excellency Dr. Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, (Abia State), Chief Emmanuel Udom (Akwa Ibom State) Willie Obiano(Anambra)Senator Diri Duoye(Bayelsa State) Pro. Ben Ayade(Cross River State), Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa(Delta State), David Umahi(Ebonyi State) Godwin Obaseki(Edo State), Dr. Kayode Fayemi(Ekiti State), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi(Enugu State), Sen. Hope Uzodinma(Imo State), Babajide Sanwo-Olu(Lagos State), Prince Dapo Abiodun, (Ogun State), Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola(Osun State), Seyi Makinde(Oyo State), Ezenwo Nyesom Wike(Rivers State).
