Southern Governors Forum has resolved that open grazing should be banned in the South of the country and that President Muhammadu Buhari addresses the nation on the spate of insecurity.
The resolutions come at a meeting 13 governors and two deputy governors held in Delta State. The governors of Osun and Cross Rivers states were absent, according to Punch.
Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, as he read out the communique released at the end of the meeting said;
Southern governors expressed very grave concern on security challenges currently plaguing the nation and strongly urged that Mr. President should address Nigerians on the challenges of insecurity and restore the confidence the confidence of our people.
We observed that the incursion of armed herds, 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.
Other resolutions include recommendations for the establishment of ports in states of the federation while expressing concerns over the persistent gridlock on Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.
Governors in attendance were 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).
Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), David Umahi (Ebonyi) and Willie Obiano (Anambra) complete the list. Imo and Akwa Ibom states were represented by their deputy governors.
The Governors also called for the restructuring of the Nigerian federal system to allow for the evolution of state police, review of revenue allocation formula in the interest of sub-governments.
Akeredolu stated;
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 matter of urgency.
The Southern Governors also 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.
