Olusola Bello

The Governors of Southern States of the country have urged President Muhammadu Buhari’s led  Federal Government to convoke a national dialogue in view of widespread agitations among various peoples for greater inclusiveness in existing governance arrangements

The governors made this known in a communiqué at the end of their meeting in Asaba in a communiqué read by their Chairman, Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State.

They noted that prevailing insecurity in the country had presented severe security challenge such that citizens were unable to live normal lives, including pursuing productive activities.

The Governors also agreed that the progress of the nation required that urgent and bold steps be taken to restructure Nigeria’s federation to encourage evolution of state Police, revenue allocation formula review in favour of sub-national governments and creation of institutions which would legitimately advance commitment to and practice of true federalism.

They also announced their resolution to ban open grazing and movement of cattle by foot across the region as part of measures to check incursion of armed herders and banditry.

The Forum stated that the precarious security situation in the country had become a threat to food supply, adding that the development and population growth had put pressure on available land and increased prospects of conflict between migrating herders and local populations in the South.

The governors have expressed concern on the economic implications of another lockdown on the country over COVID-19 pandemic as announced by the Federal Government on Monday, and called for greater coordination and cooperation between federal and state government and state governments in evolving strategies for dealing with the pandemic.

The governors who rose up a  one day meeting in Asaba, Delta  State called on the Federal Government to support willing States to develop alternative and modern livestock management systems.

“The governors recommended a review of appointments into Federal Government agencies, including security agencies, to reflect federal character as Nigeria’s overall population is heterogenous.

“The governors 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 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,’’ they stated.

The Forum also expressed concern on the economic implications of another lockdown on the country over COVID-19 pandemic as announced by the Federal Government

They expressed very grave concern on the security challenge currently plaguing the nation and strongly urged President Muhammadu Buhari to address Nigerians on the challenges and restore the confidence of the people,” the c