Insecurity: Southern governors to Buhari: Restructure Nigeria now, convene national dialogue

Per Second NewsMay 12, 2021102

…ban open grazing of cattle in the South henceforth

Fazed by the monstrous insecurity and agitations for self-determination by some ethnic groups, Governors of Southern Nigeria have demanded
the restructuring of the country.

The state chief executives also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately convoke a “national dialogue” to discuss the challenges threatening the existence of the country.

Persecondnews reports that the governors had converged on Asaba, Delta State capital on Tuesday to discuss the state of the nation including the parlous security situation, agitations and clamour for restructuring of the country.

L-R: Gov Akeredolu, Gov Umahi and Gov Okowa

Expressing serious concern about the security challenge bedevillng the nation, the governors urged President Buhari to urgently address Nigerians to restore their confidence.

According to them, Nigeria is long overdue for restructuring.

Restructuring, Akeredolu said would pave way for 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.”

On appointments in the federal civil service, the governors called for a review of appointments into federal agencies including security agencies to reflect federal character, noting that Nigeria’sl population is heterogeneous.

The governors, however, restated the commitment of the people in the South states to the unity of the country on the basis of justice, fairness, equity and oneness and peaceful co-existence.

On the incursion of armed herders, criminals and bandits into the Southern part of the country, the governors said it 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.

“Consequently, the meeting resolved that open grazing of cattle be banned across Southern Nigeria.

L-R: Gov Fayemi of Ekiti state, Gov Wike of Rivers state, Gov Umahi of Ebonyi State and the Host, Gov Okowa of Delta State, at the Southern Governors Meeting that was held in Asaba.

“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,”. the communique said.

It expressed concern about 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 governors suggested the activation and establishment of ports in other states to create new jobs and promote socio-economic activities in the country.