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…Insist on rotational presidency…. Flay selective criminal justice administration… Rejects NNPC ownership structure in Petroleum Industry Law
The Southern Governors Forum comprising 17 State Governors from Southern part of the country yesterday called on President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal government to ensure that presidency return to the southern region after his tenure in the interest of politics of equity and fairness.
The governors also re-affirmed their commitment to the unity of Nigeria on the pillars of equity, fairness, justice, progress and peaceful co-existence between and amongst its people.
At the meeting hosted by the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Ikeja State House Alausa, were: Governors Ifeayin Okowa(Delta); Rotimi Akeredolu(Ondo); Gboyega Oyetola(Osun); Emmanuel Udom(Akwa Ibom); Dr Kayode Fayemi(Ekiti); Douye Diri(Bayelsa); Seyi Makind(Oyo); Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi(Enugu).
Governors Godwin Obaseki of Edo State was represented his deputy Philip Shuaibu, his Imo State counterpart, Home Uzodinma was also represented by deputy, Placid Njokwu. Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State was also represented by his deputy, Oko Chukwu just his Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State was also represented by his deputy, Kelechi Igwe. Cross State Governor, Benedict Ayade and his Anambra State counterpart, Willie Obiano were absent.
The Southern Governors’ Forum also rejected the removal of the Electronic transmission of the election result from the electoral act; and also condemned the confirmation of exclusive jurisdiction in pre-election matters on the Federal High Court.
Reading the communique issued after the meeting, the Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State said that the governors from the southern region had reviewed the developments in the country, especially on the current security situation, constitutional amendment, Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).
Akerodolu said that the governors from the region remained committed to the unity of Nigeria on the pillars of equity, fairness, justice, progress and peaceful co-existence between and amongst its people.
He added that Forum of the Southern Governors also reiterated its commitment to the politics of equity, fairness and unanimously agreed 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.
Akerodolu read: “Forum at the end of the meeting held on Monday, 5th July, 2021 reviewed the situation in the Country and focused on the current security situation, constitutional amendment, Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). Rising from the meeting, the Forum agreed on the following: Re-affirmed their commitment to the unity of Nigeria on the pillars of equity, fairness, justice, progress and peaceful co-existence between and amongst its people. The Forum reiterates 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.”
Harping on the security situation in the country, Akeredolu added that the Forum reviewed the security situation in the country and commended 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.
The governor also re-emphasised the need for State Police and 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 Ondo State Governor added:” The Forum reviewed the security situation in the country and commends 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; Re-emphasised the need for State Police.”
The governors, who also frowned at what it described as selective criminal administration of Justice, resolved that arrests should be made within the ambit of the Law and fundamental human rights. They insisted that 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 also 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.
On the open grazing, Akerodolu added that the governors have set a 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 also read:” The Forum 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.”
Speaking on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) recently signed into Law, the Forum commended the National Assembly for the progress made in the passage of the PIB but rejected the proposed 3% and supported the 5% share of the oil revenue to the host community as recommended by the House of Representatives.He added:” The Forum 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.
“However, the forum rejects 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.”
