Southern Governors Ask President Buhari to Convoke National Dialogue
- Leaders of southern Nigeria wants President Muhammadu Buhari to convoke a national dialogue
- Governors from the three regions that make up southern Nigeria were united in their calls for the national conversation
- The governors acknowledged that there is widespread agitation in the country and it calls for concerns
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The governors of southern states in Nigeria on Tuesday, May 11 called on President Muhammadu Buhari to convoke a national dialogue.
The governors made this known in a communique seen by Legit.ng at the end of their meeting hosted by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta in Asaba, the state capital
The communiqué which was read by the chairman of Southern Governors Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state, noted that prevailing insecurity in the country had presented severe security challenges such that citizens were unable to live normal lives, including pursuing productive activities.
Source: Twitter
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The governors agreed that the progress of the nation required that urgent and bold steps to be taken to restructure Nigeria’s federation to encourage the evolution of state police, revenue allocation formula review in favour of sub-national governments.
The forum also favored the creation of institutions that would legitimately advance commitment to and practice of true federalism.
Urging the federal government to convoke a national dialogue in view of widespread agitations among various individuals and groups in the country:
"The governors recommended a review of appointments into federal government agencies, including security agencies, to reflect the federal character as Nigeria’s overall population is heterogenous.’’
Those who attended the meeting were Governors Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo, Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, and Okowa of Delta, who was the host.
Others were Governors Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu, Dave Umahi of Ebonyi, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Willie Obiano of Anambra, and deputy governor of Akwa-Ibom, Moses Ekpo and his Imo counterpart, Professor Placid Njoku.
Governors of Osun and Cross River, Isiaka Gboyega and Professor Ben Ayade were absent at the meeting.
Legit.ng had earlier announced that the governors agreed to ban open grazing in the southern region.
The communique said the resolution is part of the governors' efforts to tackle the menace of insecurity that emanates from the unchecked activities of herdsmen.
Earlier in the day, the southern governors converged in Asaba, the Delta state capital amid heavy security.
Security operatives were seen at strategic points in the capital to forestall any unforeseen occurrences, while the road leading to the Government House, the venue of the summit was barricaded.
Source: Legit.ng
