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The importance of this forum attended by the 17 southern Nigeria’s state governors is that the communique cannot be easily dismissed as is the case with other political pundits who take it upon themselves to constructively criticize the administration. To briefly highlight the matters raised at the forum, the 12 point communique and their importance is examined below:
i). “…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…”Emphasis was laid on the fact that the peoples of southern Nigeria are not bent on seceding, but are focused instead on the attainment of economic development and prosperity for the south as a priority and the nation at large.
ii). “…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…”It was noted that armed herdsmen have truncated the normal flow of activities in the south and it is negatively affecting the economic prospect of the nation.
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iii). “…it becomes imperative to enforce the ban on open grazing in the South (including cattle movement to the South by foot)…”Following in the footsteps of a meeting of Southwest and Southeast governors who banned open grazing of cattle, the southern governors’ forum have reiterated their intention of not only banning open cattle grazing but also banning cattle movement on foot. The forum also recommended in communique (iv) that the federal government should be supportive of state governments that are willing to develop alternative and modern livestock management systems.
iv). “… 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 one fell swoop, and without mincing words, southern Nigeria’s governors demanded restructuring and true federalism that will lay the foundations for state policing and the review of the revenue allocation formula. Interestingly, this demand for restructuring and true federalism forms the crux of the other demands listed in the communique and it will also set the tone for political machinations come 2023. Featured Image Source: @seyiamakinde – Twitter
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