Insecurity: Southern govs ask Buhari to address the nation, insist on restructuring

Governors of southern states of Nigeria have asked President Muhammadu Buhari to address Nigerians on the challenges of insecurity.
They also urged the President to take measures to restore the confidence of the people.

On their own, they resolved to ban open grazing of cows in their territories and pledged to work towards restructuring of the country.
These are part of a 12-point communique of the forum read by its Chairman, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State at the end of a four-hour meeting held in Asaba, Delta State.
They however said they would continue to work for the unity of the country based on justice, fairness and equity.
He said, “Southern governors expressed very grave concern on the security challenges 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.
“We 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;
“Agreed 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.
“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 expressed worry over the prolonged gridlock on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway and recommended the establishment of ports in other states of the federation to create new jobs and promote socio-economic activities in the country.
The governors also expressed concern on the economic implications of another lockdown on the country and called for greater coordination and cooperation between federal and state governments in evolving strategies for dealing with the pandemic.
Fifteen governors that attended the meeting are Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Dr Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos).
Others are Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), David Umahi (Ebonyi), Willie Obiano (Anambra). Imo and Akwa Ibom States were represented by their deputy governors, while Osun and Cross Rivers states were absent at the meeting.