The governors from the southern part of the country have urged President Muhammadu Buhari to address the nation on the rising spate of insecurity and quell tension across Nigeria.
Rising from its meeting in Asaba, Delta State capital on Tuesday, the governors from the 17 southern states disclosed its position in a communique read by its Chairman, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State.
The forum was mute on the recent agitations for the resignation or removal of President Buhari.
The governors expressed the belief that the Southern region remains resolute to the unity of Nigeria built on the principles of justice, fairness, equity, oneness, and peaceful co-existence between and among its peoples with a focus on the attainment of shared goals for economic development and prosperity.
Akeredolu said, “Southern governors 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.
“We observed that the incursion of armed herders, criminals, and bandits into the southern part of the country had presented a severe security challenge such that citizens are not able to live their everyday 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.
“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.
“Because of widespread agitations among our various peoples for greater inclusiveness in existing governance arrangements, the Federal Government should convene a national dialogue as a matter of urgency.
The forum expressed concern about the continued gridlock on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.
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 Southern Governors also expressed concern about the economic implications of another lockdown on the country. They, therefore, suggested greater coordination and cooperation between Federal and State Governments in evolving strategies for dealing with the pandemic.