Governors from 17 states in Southern Nigeria have stated that Nigeria must be restructured to reflect true federalism leading to state policing. They also called for change in the revenue allocation formula of the nation, and a review of government appointments relating to federal character, plus a national dialogue to address greater inclusiveness in existing governance arrangements.
This was disclosed in a statement by Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde, after 17 governors from the Southern part of Nigeria held the Southern Governors Forum Meeting at the Delta State Government House in Asaba, on Tuesday.
What Seyi Makinde said
“We discussed various national issues including security and restructuring. In view of the incursions of armed herders, criminals and bandits, we resolved to ban open grazing in all of Southern Nigeria.
Nigeria needs to be restructured to reflect true federalism leading to state policing and a change in the revenue allocation formula of the nation. We also recommended the establishment of ports in other states to address the congestion of the Apapa Port,” Makinde said.
He added that the Governors advised the FG to convoke a national dialogue to address greater inclusiveness in existing governance arrangements, and recommended a review of appointments into Federal Government agencies, including security agencies, to reflect federal character.
On open grazing of cattle
In a review of the statement signed by the Governors, they called for an end to open cattle grazing in the south stating:
“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. The meeting resolved that open grazing of cattle be banned across Southern Nigeria,” the Governors said.
