The Governors of Southern Nigeria have declared war on
open grazing including cattle movements to the south by foot, reports ITREALMS.
Arising from one day meeting of the governors in Government House Asaba, Delta State on Tuesday, they declared it as imperative for the enforcement of the ban on open grazing in the region.
The governors in a 12-point communique available to ITREALMS reviewed the situation in the nation generally with focus on the
current security situation, agitations cum restructuring, prospect for
inter-state collaboration and partnerships as well as on the incidence of the
COVID-19 Pandemic.
They noted that development and population growth have
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,” the communique stated.
They recommended that the Federal Government should support willing States to develop alternative and modern livestock management systems.
They also affirmed that the peoples of Southern Nigeria
remained 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 governors equally 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 Nigería,” they insisted.
Further, the communique read in part that they:
"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;
"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. In this connection, Secretaries to the
Governments of the Southern States are to work together to develop and
institutionalize a mechanism to foster this cooperation which will advance the
comparative economic advantages and other interests of the Southern States;
"Expressed concern on the continued gridlock on the 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;
"Expressed very grave concern on the security challenge 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; and expressed gratitude to our host, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his generosity and hospitality."
Chuks Egbune/Editor
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