The 17 Governors of the Southern Part of Nigeria has called on Federal government to immediately “convoke a national dialogue as a matter of urgency,” to address the burning issues in the country.
The forum at its meeting held today 11th May, 2021, at Delta State Government House, Asaba 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.
In the communique issued at the end of the meeting, the forum “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.”
The forum also frowned at the activities of herdsmen in the southern part of Nigeria and called for a ban on open grazing.
“…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,” the communique read in part.
The governors also expressed their firm belief in the continued existence of Nigeria as one.
“…committed to the unity of Nigeria on the basis of justice, fairness, equity and oneness and peaceful coexistence between and among its peoples with a focus on the attainment of shared goals for economic development and prosperity.”
