Governors from the 17 Southern states of the country, under the platform of the Southern Governors’ Forum, on Tuesday, rose from a meeting in Asaba the Delta State capital, to reject any form of open grazing in their domains.
The rejection of open grazing was part of their resolution at the end of the meeting hosted by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
The Forum, therefore, “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.”
At its meeting, members of the Forum also 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
They 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).
They, therefore, “recommended that the Federal Government should support WILLING states to develop alternative and modern livestock management systems, while agreein 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. The governors also “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.
The also “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 also “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 papandem.”
It “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 also expressed gratitude to our host, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his generosity and hospitality.”
Those who signed the Arcommunique were governors Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN (Ondo), Dr. Victor Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Chief Emmanuel Udom (Akwa Ibom), Willie Obiano (Anambra), Sen. Diri Douye (Bayelsa),
Prof. Ben Ayade (Cross River), Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta) and Engr. Dave Umahi (Ebonyi).
Others were Godwin Obaseki (Edo), John Olukayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Sen. Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Prince Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola (Osun), Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde (Oyo) and Ezenwo Nyesom Wike (Rivers).
