Constitution review: House of Reps holds South-South public hearing in Asaba June 3rd-June 4th

The House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review will hold its South-South zonal public hearing in Asaba, Delta State. According to statement signed by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Special Committee on Constitution Review, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and Chairman, South-South Public Hearing, Asaba Centre, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, the public hearing comes up on Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th June, 2021. The statement said that the public hearing is part of House of Representatives efforts in ensuring wide participation of Nigerians and other critical stakeholders in the process of altering the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It further stated that the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu will be leading five other Honourable members of the committee, two consultants and three secretariat staff to the event that has been scheduled to hold at the Delta State Event Centre, Okpanam Road, Asaba, Delta State. The Committee therefore, has invited the State Governors that make up the Asaba South-South zonal centre, namely Delta, Edo and Bayelsa States, to present position papers during the public hearing. Also invited to present position papers are: representatives of Delta, Edo and Bayelsa States Houses of Assembly, representatives of traditional institutions in Delta, Edo and Bayelsa States, civil society organizations, political parties, NUJ, NLC, NUT, Ethnic Nationalities in the three States, as well as other critical stakeholders. Time for the public hearing is 10 am each day.

May 29: You’re a failure, Reps Minority Caucus tells APC-led FG, decries Nigeria’s world poverty nation status

The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives after a critical look at the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government and declared that the administration has failed Nigerians on all fronts in the last six years. The assertion came In a statement signed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu on Friday 28th May, 2021, saying: “As the nation observes the May 29 government anniversary, the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has taken stock of the performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration and posits that the government is a failure. “We hold that with its failure to check worsening insecurity and mass killing of citizens; its intrinsic corruption, mismanagement of our national economy, as well as the unrelenting assault on our national diversity, the APC administration at the centre has failed on all fronts in the last six years. “As lawmakers, our Caucus is worried that exclusionist tendencies, trade restrictions, nepotism in government appointments, disregard to rule law, relegation of constitutional order and principles of separation of powers; abuse of human rights, electoral malpractices, harassment of opposition and arrogant insensitivity to the sensibilities of the Nigerian people by the APC administration have occasioned instability, economic crisis and avoidable acrimony that are threatening our corporate existence as a country. “Poor policies by the APC administration have stifled the economy and put the nation in dire strait with a disturbing 33.3 per cent unemployment rate, a scary 18.12 per cent inflation rate, over N32.9 trillion accumulated debt burden, a progressively devalued currency and collapsed infrastructure. “Failure of the government to address escalated insecurity challenges has crippled the agricultural sector and disorganized commercial activities leading to imminent food crisis with cost of food and other necessities of life skyrocketing beyond the reach of Nigerians. “Nigeria, under the APC administration has now become the poverty capital of the world, ranking 98th out of 107 in Global Hunger Index, with 22.95 food inflation rate and increasing morbidity and mortality rates. “As representatives of the people, the Minority Caucus is worried that our nation is heading towards a failed state. We therefore urge President Muhammadu Buhari to buckle up and use the occasion of May 29 to address the failures of his administration by taking urgent steps to tackle insecurity, ensure respect for rule of law, end corruption in his government, adopt a more inclusive approach to governance and engage better hands to manage our economy. “Nevertheless, our Caucus commends the commitment of the governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in giving hope to our nation through their excellent performance in key sectors of our national life, despite the daunting challenges. “These governors have displayed unmatched leadership competence in developing their states through economic empowerment of citizens and massive infrastructure investments in key sectors of agriculture, education, healthcare, transportation, water resources, industrialization, aviation, road infrastructure, security among others. “Indeed, the performance of the governors elected on the platform of the PDP has further demonstrated that with the right type of leadership and ideological drive of a pan-Nigeria political party, such as the PDP, our nation will obviously come out of the woods of misrule,” the Federal lawmakers stated. They therefore called on Nigerians to remain focused and not lose sight of the potentials and promised that “our nation holds despite the challenges we face today.”

Home Grown School Programme: FG gives out 15,750 utensils to FCT as 10 m pupils benefit

The Federal Government through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development on Tuesday flagged off the distribution of Utensils under the National Home Grown School Programme in the North Central Zone. In a statement by Nneka Ikem Anibeze, the Special Assistant on Media to the minister, the occasion took place at LEA primary school Jabi, where the Minister, Sadiya Umar Farouq presented 15,750 utensils including stainless plates and cutlery sets as well as 1,000 aprons to the FCT which is a balance of the 73,060 utensils and 1555 aprons earlier presented in 2020 . The minister who stated that the impact of the school feeding initiative has been enormous said: “I am happy to report that we have so far, recorded feeding nearly 10 million pupils, and engaged over One Hundred Thousand Cooks. Also massive employment opportunities are being created within the school feeding ecosystem in sectors of transportation, agriculture, energy supply and food materials packaging.” The National Home Grown School Feeding Programme being one of the Social Investment Programmes under the President Muhammadu Buhari administration is in fulfillment of ensuring that school pupils have the best experience of integrity, hygiene and safety during consumption of the free meals provided by the federal government. It is targeted at increasing enrollment of children in schools, boost their nutrition and encourage entrepreneurship, enhance agricultural production and generate millions of rural jobs in the country is a collaboration between the Federal and the State Governments. Umar Farouq said that the government is totally committed to the initiative which has prompted a nationwide resumption after the Covid-19 pandemic break. She explained that the Federal Government is responsible for funding, policy and guidelines formulations as well as conduct of close monitoring, while the States carry out the day-to-day implementation including procurement of food items, selection of cooks and vendors who would prepare, cook and serve the meals to the pupils. According to her, the Federal Government under the directives of President Buhari adopted the social protection mechanisms to tackle the social and economic challenges occassioned by the pandemic. "Part of these was the deployment of take-home rations initiative to Lagos, FCT and Ogun states, where over 127,000 households of pupils on the program were targeted to receive a food basket comprising of uncooked materials including rice, beans, palm oil, eggs etc. "This was specifically selected for the nutritional benefits of the children. We recorded tremendous success in this intervention that brought succor to the lives of many Nigerians who are at the bottom of the pyramid”, Umar Farouq said. The Minister is convinced that the school feeding program is an integral part of President Buhari's administration policy to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years. As at the last count, 9,196,823 pulpils had been captured nationwide across 54,619 schools with 100,000 farmers and 103,028 cooks actively employed. Umar Farouq promised that the ministry will continue to roll our policies and strategies capable of strengthening, sustaining and scaling up the program as well as all the other social investment programs under its stable. Earlier, the focal person representing the FCT Chinwendu Eteyen Amba thanked the federal government for the school feeding program initiative. “We thank the Minister and the Federal government for what you’re doing in the FCT using the Social Investment Programmes. We hope that you will continue to enjoy the robust relationship you have with the FCT”. The Minister later inspected the school feeding session in the LEA Primary School to ascertain the quantity and quality of the food given to the children.

£4.2m: No money returned to Delta, Accountant General recants

The office of the Accountant General of the Federation has withdrawn its earlier statement that it had returned to Delta State the 4.2million pounds money returned from the United Kingdom. A statement by the AG office putting the record straight reads: OFFICE OF THE ACCOUNTANT GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION Press Release Wednesday, May 26, 2021 RE: £4.2m IBORI LOOT: PUTTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) wishes to put the records straight regarding the widely circulated media report on the £4.2m Ibori Loot. The issue of the £4.2m Ibori Loot has not been properly resolved. The money is still being awaited, after which the issues around it will be resolved before further action is taken. For now, no money has been returned to Delta State. This explanation is without prejudice to the proceedings at the public hearing that took place yesterday during which the AGF was only making general comments about recoveries relating to State Governments. This is the true position as regards the £4.2m Ibori Loot. Henshaw Ogubike mnipr Director (Information, Press and Public Relations)

2021 Delta State Praise, Thanksgiving Day: Some roads to be closed

The Organizing Committee of the 2021 Delta State Praise and Thanksgiving Day in commemoration of the 6th anniversary of the Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa administration has announced that some roads leading to the Stephen Keshi International Stadium, venue of the event, will be closed to traffic on May 29, 2021 from 8am to 5pm. The Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the ceremony, Mr. Patrick Ukah, in a statement in Asaba today said that the roads are entrance to Nnebisi Road from SLOT, Studio 24 Road, Ebenuwa Street, MFM Road, behind stadium, and Tom Halim Street. Others are entrance to Nnebisi Road from Gallant Chi Chi Drive, Nwokobia Street, Nwabueze Lane and Austin Iyeh Lane all around AGGS area. Mr. Ukah stated that the closure of the roads is to allow for a hitch free ceremony as very important dignitaries are expected to attend the event. He advised motorists and other road users to make use of alternative routes in the town as all relevant security and traffic control departments will be mobilized that day to ensure strict compliance with the closure. The Chairman apologized for the inconveniences the closure of the roads will cause members of the public, just as he asked for their cooperation to make the ceremony a success. The ceremony is in fulfillment of a solemn promise made by Senator Okowa on the day of his inauguration as Governor of the state to always acknowledge the hand of the Almighty God in the affairs of Delta State. Notable local and international gospel artists such as Mercy Chinwo, Paul Nams, Sinachi, Nkechi Chukwura, Chioma Jesus, Tim Godfrey, Testimony Jaga and Sonnie Badu will join in offering worthy praise to God.

Returned £4.2m: Not in our coffers yet, says Delta Govt

Delta State Government on Wednesday said it had not received from the Federal Government the 4.2 million pounds returned by the United Kingdom. It said that although the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr Ahmed Idris, had disclosed on Tuesday before the House of Representatives Committee on Recovered Assets, in Abuja that the funds had been released to the state, the money had not arrived in its coffers. The government, however, said in a statement by Mr Olisa Ifeajika, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, in Asaba, that it was in contact with the Federal Government, especially the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation on the issue. It expressed appreciation for the disposition of the Federal Government in releasing the funds to the state, and assured that it would acknowledge receipt of the funds when it arrives. The government also assured the Federal Government and Deltans that the funds would, in tandem with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration’s hallmark, be judiciously deployed especially in the completion of projects it had earlier intimated the Presidency about.

Nigeria needs new Constitution, not amendment, says Okowa

Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Wednesday said Nigeria needed a new Constitution, not amendment to accommodate emerging issues of good governance and greater interest of Nigerians. Okowa stated this when he received on courtesy visit, the Senate Sub-Committee on review of the 1999 Constitution led by Senator James Manager at Government House, Asaba. He said that a new Constitution for the country had become imperative in view of observed lacunas in the 1999 Constitution and called for the insertion of a clause to allow for the re-writing of the Constitution while it would continue to be in operation until a new one was ready. "There is no doubt that there is still a lot to work on in our Constitution to have a near perfect document, and I know that the National Assembly has continued over time, to cause some of the amendments to be. "I thank God that those sent here are familiar with the zone; so, when the people truly speak they would understand. ``But, I also wished that some persons from other zones actually had the opportunity to come down here to hear the voices of our people directly because sometimes we do not understand the extent of the pains that people of the Niger Delta truly suffer in our nation. "We believe in one Federation; we believe in the unity of Nigeria, but we will continue to ask for very strong equity in our Federation as a people and I know that the people will really voice out their opinion at the public hearing. "We know that some amendments were made recently but on a general note, we are also aware that the Constitution itself appears to have just been hurriedly put up just before the 1999 elections and handed over. "I wished it was possible to start the whole process again and to re-write the Constitution and also believe that there may be a need for us to look very closely on ways and means of re-writing the Constitution as a new document even when the current Constitution exists,’’ Okowa said. He recalled that the process of reviewing the 1999 Constitution started in the 7th Assembly, but that it was not possible to push it forward because of certain disagreements at that time. Reiterating the necessity of a new constitution for the country, he said "if we look deeply as lawmakers we would be able to create a window for that purpose because every year or in every assembly, we continue to engage ourselves in one amendment or the other. ``I think that it is possible to insert a clause that will enable us to truly rewrite the constitution while the current constitution may be operational until the new one is brought into force. "In that case, we would not be struggling year-in-year-out trying to amend one clause or the other because there are challenges when it comes to that.’’ The governor urged the National Assembly to look into power devolution to the states, review of revenue allocation formula, oil derivation and state police in the amendment to enable Chairman of Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission to lay revenue allocation formula proposals directly before the lawmakers. "As a state, we believe that the way the federal structure is in terms of governance, the powers at the federal level or what you call the powers of the Presidency are too weighted against the rest of the structures in the state or what you call the sub-national governments. "We believe that the exclusive list ought not to be as it is, because there are many things in that place that could truly be in the concurrent list. ``This is because the sub-national governments are much closer to the people and understand truly the pains and needs of their people and they are more likely to effect development changes that will be impactful on their people," he stated. He regretted that no review had been made to the revenue allocation formula for the past 24 years whereas it was supposed to be reviewed every five years. Okowa said that oil-producing states had continued to struggle for the 13 per cent derivation fund, and remarked that oil was a wasting asset while the environment where it was being extracted had continued to be polluted and degraded. "The 13 per cent is actually too low and we believe it should be reviewed to 50 per cent as it used to be in the past or allow the states to own the assets and pay tax to the centre as applicable in other climes. "We are also fully aware that our country is going through tough times with the current insecurity pervading our nation.

"We believe in the Nigerian Police but to fully secure the land there is a need for states to have their own police and all the governors of this nation are in support of that. "The Nigerian police have been stretched beyond limit and to complement the Federal Police Force there is need for the states to have their own police," he added. He assured the Committee of the support of the state when recommendations were made from the National Assembly. "We are glad that you have come to listen to the people and we hope that when you also speak within the larger Committee that those voices which do not understand the pains of our people will not suppress the voices of our people. "It is in the interest of the country that we provide more funds for the development of oil-producing states and for them to take care of the degradation of their environment," the governor said. Earlier, Senator Manager had said that the Committee which comprised Senators from Edo, Bayelsa and Delta were in the state to conduct a two-day public hearing on the amendment of the 1999 Constitution. He said that aside the Spiritual Books, the Constitution was the most important book for any country. Manager restated that Southern Senators had endorsed all the resolutions made by the Southern Governors in the ``Asaba Declaration’’ of May 11. "The amendment of the Constitution is not what can be done by the National Assembly alone, but it involves states Houses of Assembly and other stakeholders. "The document is never a perfect one; therefore, amendments are inevitable from time to time and in tune with current realities. "The public hearing will afford the Committee the opportunity to hear from the people and collate their views for onward processing by the Senate," he stated.

For Nigeria to avoid disintegration: Northern Elders’ Forum calls for a citizen-driven national dialogue

Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed. Statement by Northern Elders Forum on Escalating Threats to National Security, Unity and Integrity. Northern Elders Forum (NEF) is convinced that it is time to respond to issues that threaten our collective security and the unity and integrity of the country.The Forum has held back on joining issues with persons and groups intent on provoking the type of crises that will escalate beyond control or mitigation by leaders who are collectively showing definite signs that they unwilling to steer the country away from the dangerous threats which are crippling it. It is now clear that elected people sworn to protect the constitution and protect the unity and integrity of Nigeria have decided to surrender to deeply divisive or outrightly irredentist and secessionist tendencies and movements. In the South East, governors are yielding their political turf and mandates to secessionists, criminals and subversives who think they can exterminate federal presence and northerners from the region, and achieve dubious political goals related to 2023, or break away from the country. In the South West, elected leaders and pampered ethnic bullies are closing ranks to provide a front that apes the do-what-we-want-or-we-leave-the-country strategy of the marginalized leaders of the South East. Governors are building ethnic monsters and hiding behind them to whip up sentiments in a crude attempt to extract concessions no one is in a position to give or guarantee. The South South is squeezed between fear and uncertainty, and its leaders are gambling that they can benefit from further weakening the federal administration and the North if it rides along with the rest of the South.A plastic unity is being contrived to create the impression that the entire South is united behind shared grievances against the Presidency and Fulani herders and all northerners who are cast as fair game in responding to all of President Buhari’s multiple failures. A desperate but futile attempt is being made to split the North along lines that suit people who ignore its complexities and plurality when it is convenient to lump all Northerners and submit them to humiliation or attacks. The NEF recognizes that most of these provocations feed from the widespread perception of a weak national leadership and a broken political process that has become captive of narrow political interests. For the record, the forum restates its support for a programmed transition that will eliminate open grazing and the establishment of productive, safe and sustainable options in managing our huge national asset in animal husbandry. This cannot be achieved with threats and harassment, but with commitment and collaboration involving all governments and stakeholders. It is in everyone’s interests to support an urgent national initiative that will engineer a safe and productive transition to the end of open grazing. In the meantime, the forum must warn those attacking and killing Fulani headers to stop. There are limits to every community’s tolerance, and the forum strongly advises that lines are respected in the manner we treat Nigerians who are vulnerable wherever they live. The forum has always supported initiatives that improve the quality of inputs into how Nigerians can address the limitations in the manner the country is operated. It is unfortunate that the current efforts of the National Assembly to amend the constitution enjoys little or no confidence among Nigerians that they will address the fundamental challenges which need to be comprehensively addressed, although this can be redressed if our elected representatives recognize the historic opportunities they have to move this country beyond its strangulating challenges. The negative attitude of the Presidency towards engaging Nigerians to tap into ideas, grievances and goodwill of many citizens who mean well is ill-informed and, under our current circumstances, dangerous. So are postures that issue opportunistic ultimatums over convening national dialogue by the President. The forum supports a citizen-driven national dialogue and a campaign to get the government to accord its outcome the respect it deserves. The forum extends its hands to groups that genuinely believe that Nigerians should demand and design the type of country we want, and should not wait for people we elected to set the boundaries and conditions of our existence. The forum restates that the North will not be cowed and stampeded into escorting political ambitions of politicians at the cost of its rights, security and dignity.It demands that President Buhari asserts the powers our constitution gives him to protect our territorial integrity and secure citizens, or accept that he is incapable of leading the nation through these unprecedented challenges. Attacks on lawful Fulani and other Northerners in the South must stop, and those who have killed them must be brought to book. The nation needs to know that Northerners in many parts of the South now live in heightened fear as they are profiled and harassed by elements in host communities who believe that there are no consequences for their actions. The forum demands an end to attacks on federal agents and facilities.Governors in the South must be unambiguous in their condemnation and resistance against these dangerous activities.They cannot continue to walk on both sides of the street.Northern governors should note that they are rapidly receding into irrelevance as desperate citizens chalk up their silence over multiple assaults in a country where they have equal rights to their security and dignity. If our country is to survive its current difficulties and build a better nation, President Buhari must improve his levels of competence, awareness that the nation is sliding into disaster and sensitivity to the frustrations of Nigerians.Other political leaders who take advantage of the limitations of the President to light fires should know that they will get burnt in them.Overwhelming majority of Nigerians do not want war or an end to our union. We just want an end to insecurity, escalating cost of living and the hate and the fear which our leaders are triggering.The forum restates its readiness to engage any group of Nigerians in exploring productive paths to a better future.What it will not do is to watch as the North is damaged further by cynical southern politicians and adventurers who think the North is too weak to protect its own interests. The forum once again condoles the nation and families of Lt-Gen I Attahiru and other military officers who died in active duty.May God bestow His Mercies on their souls. Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed Director, Publicity and Advocacy Northern Elders Forum Abuja

Middle Belt berates Buhari, says Nigeria not a Fulani colony; calls on Nigerians to resist imposition of foreign Fulanis

The Middle Belt Forum, MBF, has cautioned the President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government to desist from imposing Fulani from all parts of Africa on Nigeria, insisting that Nigeria is not a Fulani colony. National President of MBF, Dr. Bitrus Pogu sounded the warning Tuesday in Makurdi while reacting to the statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu who questioned the legality of the decision of Southern Governors to ban open grazing hinting that the Federal Government would commence rehabilitation work on grazing reserves in the country next month. The MBF urged all Nigerians to join forces with southern governors to resist the evil plot and not allow it to happen. According to him, “we have a government that is so distant from reality. We have never had this kind of government before. A government that is living in the 50s while we are now in the 21st century. It is just unfortunate. “Given that they have made the statement, all we can do is to first of all appreciate their mind set. Their mind set is archaic and retrogressive. It is sectional and nepotistic. “A real government is supposed to look at the realities of the moment and see how the government can holistically develop the entire society called Nigeria. “It is unfortunate of course that Garba Shehu continues to issue such statements on behalf of the President. But it also show that that is the mindset of the President because there has never been a time when he issued such statements and the president says no. It shows that it is the presidency that issued the statement. “And it is unfortunate because Governors have roles as provided by the constitution, because they are the Chief Security Officers of their states. “They have seen the situation that under the cover of herding people commit heinous crimes, killing people, sacking them from their ancestral land and destroying their crops and making life even uncomfortable to the extent that they cannot go to farms anymore. “So what the Governors did was appropriate to ensure that the herders must start to ranch if they want to stay in the place. The right the constitution gave to everybody to reside in any part of the country does not give them the right to make life uncomfortable for others in that part of the country. “And I do not know which constitution the presidency is reading. Maybe they have a different constitution from the one Nigerians have. So the truth remains that it is unfortunate that we have this kind of government in place. It is unfortunate also that such statements are coming out from this government. “This government needs to know that they are there to govern the entire Nigeria and not to govern a section of Nigeria and impose the wishes and wills of that section on other Nigerians. “Those of us in the Middle Belt have cried out loud and clear for a long time. Now it has gone southwards and they are being heard. So the Southern Governors have the constitutional right to remain the Chief Security Officers of their states. “They work within the constitutional provision to protect their people because the first assignment of government is security and welfare and what they are doing is to provide security for their people. “They have the right under the constitution to do that. The federal government may go to the Supreme Court for interpretation but as far as I am concerned, the Governors have the right to secure their people. “Again, majority of the herders who are attacking the people are not even Nigerians. This government all along says Nigerians know their local Fulani herders. So a policy should come out that would accommodate the local Fulani to start ranching in the places they are known. “Why are they imposing foreign Fulani on us? Has Nigeria become a Fulani colony? That should not happen and Nigerians should stand up and resist it. Not only the southern governors, everybody should resist it. Nigeria is not a Fulani colony and Buhari and his team cannot impose all Fulani round Africa on Nigeria. We cannot accept that, the Southern Governors should not accept it and all Nigerians should not accept that.” • Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/05/were-not-a-fulani-colony-middle-belt-forum-tells-presidency/

Chief Edwin Clark: REP’s Minority Caucus celebrates an elder statesman @ 94

The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has congratulated a celebrated nationalist and former minister of Information, Chief Edwin Clark as he marks his 94th birthday anniversary According to a statement by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, the Caucus said that Chief Edwin Clark had remained a leading light, fearless democrat and forthright leader, who has continued to demonstrate an undiminished commitment towards the entrenchment of good governance elements of fairness, rule of law, justice and equity in our national polity. "His unrelenting quest towards national stability through the establishment of constitutional federalism and recognition of the rights, privilege, aspirations and sensibilities of coalescing entities, distinguishes him as an insightful leader, who understands the nuances of our nation and the solution for the challenges we face. "Furthermore, Chief Edwin Clark’s innumerable contributions towards the development of our nation, including the establishment of the Edwin Clark University in his hometown as well as his role towards the establishment of the University of Benin offers a glimpse into his commitment for the future of our nation. "The Minority Caucus celebrates Chief Clark on this auspicious occasion and prays to God to grant him many more years in good health," the Caucus prayed in the Statement.

STATE OF THE NATION: Southern governors shun political differences, ban open grazing, call for national confab, demand state police, kick against lopsided appointments

Governors of Southern Nigeria put politics aside today, May 11, 2021 at Asaba, Delta state capital and took far reaching decisions in which they spoke the minds of citizens of the region. Rising from a meeting, the governors without mincing words literally told President Muhammadu Buhari the following: 1. That his appointments are lopsided and must be corrected to show national diversity. 2. That open grazing is banned in Southern Nigeria and that the ban will be strictly implemented effective immediately in the entire south. 3. That Buhari should convene a national conference. 4. That State police be immediately allowed. 5. That ports be made operational in other towns aside Lagos. In the communiqué read by Chairman of Southern Governors Forum, Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, they said 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 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 called on the Federal Government to support willing States to develop alternative and modern livestock management systems. They 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. The governors also urged the Federal Government to convoke a national dialogue in view of widespread agitations among various peoples ``for greater inclusiveness in existing governance arrangements’’. "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 on Monday, and called for greater coordination and cooperation between federal and state governments in evolving strategies for dealing with the pandemic. "The Southern Governors also 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." Those who attended the meeting were Governors Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo, Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti and Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, who was the host. Others were Governors Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu, Dave Umahi of Ebonyi, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Willie Obiano of Anambra and Deputy Governor of Akwa-Ibom, Mr Moses Ekpo and his Imo counterpart, Prof. Placid Njoku. Governors of Osun and Cross River, Isiaka Gboyega and Prof. Ben Ayade were absent at the meeting. Below is full text of the Southern Governors’ communiqué COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE MEETING OF THE GOVERNORS OF SOUTHERN NIGERIA IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE, ASABA, DELTA STATE, ON TUESDAY, 11TH MAY, 2021 At its meeting held today, 11th May, 2021, the Southern Governors Forum 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. Rising from the meeting, the Forum: affirmed that the peoples of Southern Nigeria remain committed to the unity of Nigeria on the basis of justice, fairness, equity and oneness and peaceful co-existence between and among its peoples with a focus on the attainment of shared goals for economic development and prosperity; 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; 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); recommended that the Federal Government should support WILLING States to develop alternative and modern livestock management systems; 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; 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; 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 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 pandemic; 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 expressed gratitude to our host, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his generosity and hospitality. Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN Governor, Ondo State His Excellency His Excellency Dr. Victor Okezie Ikpeazu Chief Emmanuel Udom Governor, Abia State Governor, Akwa Ibom State His Excellency His Excellency Willie Obiano Senator Diri Duoye Governor, Anambra State Governor, Bayelsa State His Excellency His Excellency Prof. Ben Ayade Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa Governor, Cross Rivers State Governor, Delta State His Excellency His Excellency Engr. Dave Umahi Godwin Obaseki Governor, Ebonyi State Governor, Edo State His Excellency His Excellency John Olukayode Fayemi Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi Governor, Ekiti State Governor, Enugu State His Excellency His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma Babajide Sanwo-Olu Governor, Imo State Governor, Lagos State His Excellency His Excellency Dapo Abiodun Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola Governor, Ogun State Governor, Osun State His Excellency His Excellency Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde Ezenwo Nyesom Wike Governor, Oyo State Governor, Rivers State