12 Key Resolutions Reached by Southern Governors After Their Meeting in Asaba
- After being accused of been docile, southern governors in Nigeria have now taken the bull by the horn to address pressing issues affecting them
- The governors have tasked the federal government with addressing the issues for the sake of the nation's unity
- 12 key resolutions were released by the governors after their all-important meeting held in Asaba, the Delta state capital
PAY ATTENTION: Join Legit.ng Telegram channel! Never miss important updates!
The governors of the 17 states in southern Nigeria met in Asaba, the Delta state capital, on Tuesday, May 12.
At the meeting, the governors discussed several issues including lopsided appointments by the federal government, security, open cattle grazing, and restructuring of Nigeria.
Source: Twitter
PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read the best news on Nigeria’s #1 news app
They arrived at 12 resolutions after the meeting and they are:
1. 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 economic development and prosperity
2. 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 Nigeria
3. 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)
4. Recommended that the federal government should support willing states to develop alternative and modern livestock management systems
5. 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
6. 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
7. Recommended that in deference to the sensitivities of our various peoples, there is a need to review appointments into federal government agencies (including security agencies) to reflect federal character as Nigeria’s overall population is heterogeneous
8. Resolved to foster cooperation among the southern states and the nation at large
9. 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
10. 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 COVID-19 pandemic
11. expressed very grave concern on the security challenges 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
Legit.ng had earlier reported that the governors agreed to ban open grazing in the southern region.
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
