The Southern Governors Forum has concluded deliberations.
The Governors of the 17 Southern States met in Lagos at the Lagos House Ikeja on Monday, 5th July, 2021, with Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State as Chairman.
The Governors reviewing the situation in the Country focused on the current security situation, constitutional amendment and Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) amongst others.
At the end of the deliberation the following resolutions were arrived at in a Communiqué signed by the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.
The Governors reaffirmed their commitment to the Unity of Nigeria on the pillars of equity, fairness, justice, progress and peaceful co-existence between and amongst the people
The Forum also reiterated its commitment to politics of equity and fairness stressing that they unanimously agreed that the Presidency of Nigeria should 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 commendedthe security operatives for their relentless efforts in restoring security and safety; The Fotum however commiserate with families and loved ones of those who have fallen in the line of duty; re-emphasizing the importance and need for a State Police
The Governors also resolved that should security institutions need to undertake an operation in any State, the Chief Security Officer of the State must be duly informed; frowning at selective criminal administration of Justice and resolved that arrests should be made within the ambit of the Law and fundamental human rights;
On open grazing. a timeline of Wednesday, 1st September, 2021 was set for the promulgation of the anti open grazing law in all member States; with a Resolve that funds be deducted from the Federation Account of the Nigeria Police Security Trust Fund and be distributed among the States and Federal Government to combat security challenges.
The Forum also delving into the issue of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), commended The National Assembly for the progress made so far in the passage of the Bill; rejecting the proposed 3% and supporting the 5% share of the oil revenue to the host community as recommended by the House of Representatives.
The Governors also reject the proposed 30% share of profit for the exploration of oil and gas in the basins; 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.