South-west governors and traditional leaders have met in Lagos State on Sunday to strategise on improved security in the region following unrest that trailed nationwide #EndSARS protest.
Chairman of South-West Governors’ Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu, in his opening remark said the region has gone through a lot in recent times.
Mr Akeredolu, who is also the Governor of Ondo State, expressed that when the #EndSARS protest started in the south-west and other parts of the country, the police were guiding the protesters.
The Governor noted that what started as a peaceful demonstration by the youth eventually ‘turned to a different thing’, stressing;
In recent past, our experience has been most worrisome, everybody is worried, everybody is concerned, we have to sustain the peace we have started noticing.
We are worried. What we are seeing in the last days shows that something needs to be done.
He said the meeting held to improve on the relationship in the South-West region and find solutions to the unrest.
Read Also: EndSARS: Runtown, Falz Lead Protest In Lagos (Photos/Videos)
Speaking further, Governor Akeredolu said;
What we have witnessed in the South-West is a great attack on our heritage. We must have collaboration across the board. We need the cooperation of the Federal Government so that this does not repeat itself.
He urged the governors to improve in discharging their duties, adding that the welfare of the people is paramount.
On his part, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said that the South-West region has serious issues of security confronting the people.
Sanwo-Olu revealed that over 500 vehicles, both public and private, were destroyed, including hospitals and monarch palace.
In his address, the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Gambari, who was in attendance said the meeting was for those in government to retrace their steps and have a rethink of a better way to engage the youth more to prevent an uproar.
Gambari noted that President Buhari is aware of the level of destruction to private and public infrastructure in Lagos State.
The Chief of Staff reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the many challenges and demands of the youth in due course.
Other south-west governors in attendance were Gboyega Oyetola (Osun), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) and Seyi Makinde (Oyo).
The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, his works and housing counterparts, Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, among others.
The traditional rulers in attendance include Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi, Olubadan of Ibadan, Saliu Adetunji, Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, Ooni of Ife, Enitan Ogunwusi, among others.
At the end of the meeting, the participants issued a 13-point communique in which the south-west Governors and traditional rulers demanded for the repair of destroyed economic assets of the region.
Leaders of south-west demanded a review of reports of past constitutional conferences, including the 2014 National Conference and implement some of the recommendations, especially with reference to security, economy, equal treatment for citizens all over the country.
