Southern governors list conditions for Nigeria’s unity

Governors of Southern Nigeria have urged President Muhammadu Buhari to convoke a national dialogue and take urgent steps to restructure the country for the country to remain one indivisible unit.

The governors expressed grave concern on the security challenge currently plaguing the nation and strongly urged President Muhammad Buhari to address Nigerians on the challenges of insecurity and restore the confidence of the people.

The Southern Governors met in Asaba, Delta State on Tuesday to deliberate on the current security situation, agitations and clamour for restructuring of the country.

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Chairman of Governors of Southern Nigeria and Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who read the communique after the meeting which held at the Government House, Asaba, said the country is long overdue for restructuring.

Akeredolu said the governors resolved that urgent and bold steps be taken to restructure the country to pave way the evolution of state police; review of revenue allocation formula in favour of the States and creation of other institutions which legitimately advance the country’s commitment to and practice of true federalism.

“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,” they said.

The Southern governors recommended that in deference to the sensitivities of the various people of the country, there was need to review appointments into Federal Government agencies (including security agencies) to reflect federal character as Nigeria’s overall population is heterogeneous.

The governors affirmed that the people of Southern Nigeria remained committed to the unity of Nigeria on the basis of justice, fairness, equity and oneness and peaceful co-existence between and among its people with a focus on the attainment of shared goals for economic development and prosperity.

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The Southern governors, however, 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 were not able to live their normal lives, including pursuing various productive activities leading to a threat to food supply and general security.

 “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.”

The governors expressed concern on the continued gridlock on the Oshodi – Apapa Expressway and the choke-hold it has exerted on the nation’s economy, being the sole outlet from Apapa Wharf.

 “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,” they said.