Governors of the 17 southern States had held a meeting in Asaba and came up with could be described as the road map for national security and unity. In a communique read by the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, the meeting called for the convocation of a National Dialogue as a matter of urgency, to restructure the country; enjoined the President to address the nation on the spate of insecurity; reiterate the ban on open grazing in Southern Nigeria; the enforcement of Federal Character principle in appointment of public officers among others. The meeting was attended by 13 governors and two deputy governors who represented their principals.
Two governors – Adegboyega Oyetola (Osun), who is in Saudi Arabia for the lesser hajj, and Ben Atade (Cross River) were absent. It was the first such meeting since the President Muhammadu Buhari dispensation. Hitherto, the governors met along their geo-political groups.
Other decision taken include the need for “urgent and bold steps” to restructure the country; the need for President Muhammadu to address the nation on the growing insecurity in the country and how he plans to arrest it and the enforcement of the ban on open grazing in the South, including preventing movement of cows “on foot” from the North.
Akeredolu, who was nominated by his colleagues after the session which lasted for one hour, 30 minutes between 1.30 and 3pm. They recommended that in deference to the sensitivities of the various peoples of the country, there was a need to review appointments into Federal Government agencies (including security agencies) to reflect federal character as Nigeria’s overall population is heterogenous.
The communiqué said the governors “agreed that the progress of the nation require that urgent and bold steps be taken to restructure the Nigerian federation, leading to the evolution of state Police, review of revenue formula in favour of sub-nationals and creation of other institutions which will legitimately advance our commitment to and practice of true federalism.
“The meeting recommended that in view of widespread agitation among various people for better inclusiveness in existing governance arrangements, the Federal Government should convoke a national dialogue as a matter of urgency.”
The meeting further resolved that open grazing be banned across Southern Nigeria, due to the menace posed by armed herders and its impact on food security. It added that the Southern States would enforce the ban on open grazing, including cattle movement by foot and urged the Federal Government to support willing states to develop alternative livestock breeding systems. They vowed to keep the unity of Nigeria on the basis of equity, justice and peaceful co-existence.
The communiqué also resolved to foster cooperation among the Southern States. It expressed concern over the gridlock on the Oshodi/Apapa expressway in Lagos and the chokehold it has exerted on the nation’s economy, being the sole outlet from Apapa Wharf. The governors 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 governors expressed concern on the economic implications of another lockdown on the country, and suggested greater coordination and cooperation between Federal and State governments in evolving strategies for dealing with the pandemic.
Source: Drumnewsonline with additional report The Nation
