As a follow-up to an earlier meeting in Asaba hosted by the Delta state Governor where the governors agreed on far-reaching conclusions on open grazing, restructuring Nigeria, and calls for state police,
Governors of the Southern region of Nigeria Monday met in Lagos as the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu received them at his office in Alausa, Ikeja, the venue of their meeting, before they proceeded to discuss behind closed doors.
Some of those at the meeting include Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State; Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State; Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State; and Edo State deputy governor Philip Shaibu.
Others include Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun; Enugu State governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi.
At the end of the meeting, a communique was read and released to the press. September 1, 2021, was set as the deadline by the governors for the promulgation of anti-open grazing law among its member states.
Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu, said this on Monday while reading from a communique jointly signed by the governors after a closed-door meeting in Alausa, Lagos State.
“The Forum reiterates its commitment to the politics of equity, fairness and unanimously agrees that the presidency of Nigeria be rotated between Southern and Northern Nigeria and resolved that the next president of Nigeria should emerge from the Southern Region,” Governor Akeredolu said on behalf of the governors.
The governors affirmed their commitment to the unity of Nigeria on the pillars of equity, fairness, justice, progress, and peaceful co-existence between and amongst its people.
The governors also reinstated calls for state police and commended security operatives for their efforts in restoring security and safety and commiserated with families and loved ones of those who have fallen in the line of duty.
The Forum commended the National Assembly for the progress made in the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and rejected the proposed 3% and support the 5% share of the oil revenue to the host community as recommended by the House of Representatives.
