THE meeting of Southern Governors has re-affirmed the commitment of the governors to the unity of Nigeria “on the pillars of equity, fairness, justice, progress and peaceful co-existence between and amongst its people”.

A communique issued after the one-day meeting in Lagos on Monday, the governors reiterated its commitment to the politics of equity, fairness and “unanimously agrees that the presidency of Nigeria be rotated between Southern and Northern Nigeria and resolved that the next president of Nigeria should emerge from the Southern Region”.

On security, the governors reviewed the security situation in the country and commended the security operatives for their relentless efforts in restoring security and safety and commiserates with families and loved ones of those who have fallen in the line of duty. They re-emphasised the need for State Police; resolved that if for any reason security institutions need to undertake an operation in any state, the Chief Security Officer of the State must be duly informed.

“The forum frowns at selective criminal administration of Justice and resolved that arrests should be made within the ambit of the Law and fundamental human rights;

set a timeline of Wednesday, 1st September, 2021 for the promulgation of the anti-open grazing law in all member States; and resolved that funds deducted from the Federation Account for the Nigeria Police Security Trust Fund should be distributed among the States and federal government to combat security challenges,” the communique said.

On the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) Law, the Forum commended the National Assembly for the progress made in the passage of the PIB; rejects the proposed 3% and support the 5% share of the oil revenue to the host community as recommended by the House of Representatives; the forum also rejects the proposed 30% share of profit for the exploration of oil and gas in the basins.

The governors rejected the ownership structure of the proposed Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC. “The Forum disagrees that the company be vested in the Federal Ministry of Finance but should be held in trust by Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, NSIA, since all tiers of government have stakes in that vehicle.

“In order to consolidate our democracy and strengthen the electoral process, the Southern Governors’ Forum reject the removal of the electronic transmission of the election result from the electoral act; and also rejects the confirmation of exclusive jurisdiction in pre-election matters on the Federal High Court.

“The Forum unanimously chose Lagos State as its permanent secretariat and appreciated the Governor of Lagos State for the wonderful hosting of this meeting while commending him for his good work in the state,” the communique of the meeting chaired by Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo State, said.

– July 6, 2021 @ 10:22 GMT |