Southern Governors’ Forum bans open grazing across Southern Nigeria
…urges Buhari to address Nigerians on security challenges
The Southern Governors’ Forum on Tuesday, resolved that open grazing of cattle be banned across Southern Nigeria.
The forum said reason for its resolution was that it had observed that incursion of armed herders, criminals, and bandits into the southern part of the country have presented severe security challenges 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 insecurity.
The resolution was contained in a 12-point communiqué read by the chairman of the forum and governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, at the end of the meeting held at the Government House, Asaba, Delta State.
Akeredolu, said, “The forum affirmed that the people of Southern Nigeria remain committed to the unity of the country on the basis of justice, fairness, equity and oneness and peaceful co-existence between and among its people with a focus on the attainment of shared goals for economic development and prosperity.
“The forum 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).”
“The forum recommended that the Federal Government should support willing states to develop alternative and modern livestock management systems.
“The forum also 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 subnational governments and creation of other institutions which legitimately advance our commitment to and practice of true federalism.
“The forum 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.
“The forum recommended that in deference to the sensitivities of our various people, there is a need to review appointments into federal agencies (including security agencies) to reflect character as Nigeria’s overall population is heterogeneous
“The meeting expressed concern on the continued gridlock on the Oshodi-apapa Expressway in Lagos, 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.
“The forum 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.