…Says next President of Nigeria should emerge from the southern region
The Southern Governors’ Forum yesterday rejected the removal of the electronic transmission of the election result from the electoral act even as it also rejected the confirmation of exclusive jurisdiction in pre-election matters on the Federal High Court.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting of the Governors of Southern Nigeria at the Lagos State Government House, Ikeja, Lagos State, on Monday, 5th July, 2021, the Forum while Re-affirming its commitment to the unity of Nigeria on the pillars of equity, fairness, justice, progress and peaceful co-existence between and amongst its people, equally 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.
Reviewing the security situation in the country, the Forum commended security operatives for their relentless efforts in restoring security and safety and commiserated with families and loved ones of those who have fallen in the line of duty.
It however re-emphasised the need for State Police even as it further resolved that if for any reason security institutions needed to undertake an operation in any State, the Chief Security Officer of the State must be duly informed adding that the forum frowned at selective criminal administration of Justice and resolved that arrests should be made within the ambit of the Law and fundamental human rights.
On ban on open grazing in the region, the forum set a timeline of Wednesday, 1st September, 2021 for the promulgation of the anti-open grazing law in all member States even as it also 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.
On Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), the forum while commending the National Assembly for the progress made in the passage of the PIB, however rejected the proposed 3% and supported the 5% share of the oil revenue to the host community as recommended by the House of Representatives.
It also rejected 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”, the forum said.
The Forum unanimously chose Lagos State as its permanent secretariat and appreciated the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the wonderful hosting of the meeting while commending him for his good work in the State.
Photo: A cross-section of members of the Southern Nigeria Governors’ Forum during press briefing at the end of their meeting in Lagos on Monday.
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