Southern Governors Upholds Ban on Open Grazing

Southern governors has insisted on the ban of open grazing across Southern Nigeria, calling on the Federal Government to convene a national dialogue.

 The governors met in Asaba, Delta State, calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to address the nation on the issue.

The governor’s meeting collided on the same day President Muhammadu Buhari also, for the third time in two weeks, met with service chiefs and heads of other security agencies and approved new security measures to curtail insecurity in the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones of the country.

The governors in the 12-point communique read by the chairman of Southern Governors Forum and governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, “affirmed that 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 between and among its peoples, with a focus on the attainment of shared goals for economic development and prosperity.

The communique read thus:  “Governors observed that 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, 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.  Governors 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); recommended that the Federal Government should support willing states to develop alternative and modern livestock management systems.

“Governors 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.

“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.

“Governors  recommended that in deference to the sensitivities of our various peoples, there is need to review appointments into Federal Government agencies (including security agencies) to reflect federal character as Nigeria’s overall population is heterogenous.

“Resolved to foster cooperation among the Southern states and the nation at large; expressed concern on the continued gridlock on Oshodi- Apapa Expressway 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.

“It expressed very grave concern over the security challenge currently plaguing the nation and strongly urged that Mr. President address Nigerians on the challenges of insecurity and restore the confidence of our people.  The meeting expressed gratitude to our host, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, for his generosity and hospitality.

The meeting had in attendance, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta; Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia; Willy Obiano of Anambra; Douye Diri of Bayelsa; Godwin Obaseki of Edo; and David Umahi of Ebonyi.

Others are Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu; Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti; Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos; Dapo Abiodun of Ogun; Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo;  Seyi Makinde of Oyo;  and Nyesom Wike of Rivers.

While Hope Uzodimma of Imo was represented by his deputy, Prof Placid Njoku; Udom Emmanuel of Akwa-Ibom by his Deputy, Mr Moses Ekpo; Governors Gboyega Oyetola of Osun and Ben Ayade of Cross River States were absent.