The 17 southern governors in Nigeria met in Lagos, the nation’s economy capital on Monday to discussing issues affecting the nation. They made various resolutions which include the date for the commencement of the ban on open gazing, objection to the newly passed petroleum industry bill (PIB) and advocacy for zoning 2023 presidency to the south.
POLITICS NIGERIA brings to the public major takeaways from the meeting.
2023 presidency to be shifted to south
The governors agreed that they are all committed to the “politics of equity and fairness”, hence they resolved that “the next president of Nigeria should emerge from the Southern Region”.
The decision was reached amidst rumours that Bola Tinubu, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, will be running for the position of president. Others rumoured to have shown interest in the race are Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
Compulsory electronic transmission of election result
The governors also rejected the decision of the national assembly leadership to expunge sections that provide for electronic transmission of election results from the electoral act amendment bill.
“In order to consolidate our democracy and strengthen the Electoral process, the Southern Governors’ Forum rejects the removal of the Electronic transmission of the election result from the electoral act,” the governors agreed.
Effective date on ban on open grazing
Even though the federal government raised eyebrows against states governments decision to ban open grazing, the 17 southern governors insisted on going on with their plans.
The governors on Monday set a timeline of September 1, 2021, “for the promulgation of the anti-open grazing law in all member states.”
Governors frown at SSS operation without their knowledge
“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 above resolution was reached following the invasion of Sunday Igboho’s home by SSS. The state governor of Oyo State, Mr Makinde claimed he has no knowledge of the activities of the operatives on Mr Igboho’s house.
They also “frowns at selective criminal administration of Justice and resolved that arrests should be made within the ambit of the Law and fundamental human rights.”
