THE CONCLUSION OF THE MEETING OF THE GOVERNORS OF SOUTHERN NIGERIA IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE, ASABA, DELTA STATE, ON TUESDAY, 11TH MAY, 2021

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE MEETING OF THE GOVERNORS OF SOUTHERN NIGERIA IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE, ASABA, DELTA STATE, ON TUESDAY, 11TH MAY, 2021

At its meeting, held today, 11th May, 2021, the Southern Governors

Forum 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. Rising from the meeting, the Forum:

i) 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 economíc development and prosperity;

ii) 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 Nigería;

iii) noted 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);

iv) recommended that the Federal Government should support WILLING States to develop alternative and modern

livestock management systems;

v) 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;

vi) 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;

vii) 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;

viii) 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;

ix) 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;

x) 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;

xi) 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

xii) expressed gratitude to our host, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa

for his generosity and hospitality.

Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN

Governor, Ondo State

His Excellency

Dr. Victor Okezie Ikpeazu

Governor, Abia State

His Excellency

Chief Emmanuel Udom

Governor, Akwa Ibom State

His Excellency

Senator Diri Draoye

Governor, Bayelsa State

His Excellency

Willie Obiano

Governor, Anambra State

His Excellency

Prof. Ben Ayade

Governor, Cross Rivers State

His Excellency

Senator Dr. feanyi Okowa

Governor, Delta State

His Excellency

Engr. David Umahi

Governor, Ebonyi State

His Excellency

Godwin Obaseki

Governor, Edo State

His Excellency

John Olukayode Fayemi

Governor, Ekiti State

His Excellency

Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi

Governor, Enugu State

His Excellency

Senator Hope Uzodimma

Governor, Imo State

His Excellency

Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Governor, Lagos State

His Excellency

Dapo Abiodun

Governor, Ogun State

His Excellency

Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola

Governor, Osun State

His Excellency

Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde

Governor, Oyo State

His Excellency

Ezenwo Nyesom Wike

Governor, Rivers State