Southern governors to Buhari: Address the nation, restructure Nigeria, respect federal character (full text)

The governors of 17 southern states held a meeting in Asaba, Delta state, on Tuesday on the state of the nation.

Among their key demands are that President Muhammadu Buhari should be fairer in political appointments, convoke a national dialogue, accept the establishment of state police,

Below is the full text of the communique.

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:

• 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;
• 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;
• 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);
• recommended that the Federal Government should support WILLING States to develop alternative and modern livestock management systems;
• 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;
• 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;
• 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;
• resolved to foster cooperation among the Southern States and the nation at large;
• 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;
• 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;
• 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
• expressed gratitude to our host, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his generosity and hospitality.

Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, Governor, Ondo State

Dr. Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, Governor, Abia State

Chief Emmanuel Udom, Governor,  Akwa Ibom State

Willie Obiano, Governor, Anambra State

Senator Diri Duoye, Governor, Bayelsa State

Prof. Ben Ayade, Governor, Cross Rivers State

Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor, Delta State

Engr. Dave Umahi, Governor, Ebonyi State

Godwin Obaseki, Governor, Edo State

John Olukayode Fayemi, Ekiti State Governor,

Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Governor, Enugu State

Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor, Imo State 

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor, Lagos State

Dapo Abiodun, Governor, Ogun State

Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola Governor, Osun State

Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde, Governor, Oyo State

Ezenwo Nyesom Wike Governor, Rivers State