Insecurity: Southern govs canvass unified approach

Governors from the Southern part of the country under the aegis of Southern Nigeria Governors Forum will meet in Asaba, Delta State capital, next week, to harmonise its positions in order to douse tension in the country.

The governors had on Tuesday evening met to discuss the state of the nation.

The meeting held virtually was at the instance of Governors Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Ondo, Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta and David Umahi of Ebonyi State, currently Chairmen of the South West, South South and South East Governors’ Forums respectively.

Fifteen of the seventeen governors from the Southern part of the country attended the meeting, including Ekiti State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr Kayode Fayemi, Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Godswin Obaseki (Edo), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Emmanuel Udom (Akwa Ibom), Okezie Victor Ikpeazu (Abia), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Gboyega Oyetola (Osun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), and the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Lolo Cecilia Ezeilo.

The governors who called for commitment and unity in addressing issues that affect the country, particularly the Southern Nigeria, stressed the need to put the country first in the face of the trying times.

A source close to one of the governors from the South South said although the meeting was long overdue, the move by the three governors was commendable.

“The three governors, especially the Chairman of the Southwest Governors Forum, have provided good leadership and direction to the extent that a proper path to confidence building has been laid.

“It is coming a bit late but it has largely shown that there are still leaders who think of the nation’s unity first before any other. The kernel of the meeting was that Nigeria is too important to let into conflagration. It’s a good move, no doubt,” he said.