Amid tight security by men of the Nigeria Police, Department of State Service, DSS, some of the Nigeria’s governors, under the umbrella of Southern Governors Forum, have started arriving Lagos House, Ikeja on Monday, venue of a scheduled meeting to deliberate on state of the nation.
Top on the agenda of the meeting, it was gathered, is the re-arrest of Nigeria separatist leader, Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and recent attack on his counterpart, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly called “Sunday Igboho,” leader of Yoruba Nation agitation.
The meeting, which is a follow-up to the last one held in Asaba, Delta State on May 11, will also deliberate and review the state of the nation as it affects the geo-political zones.
As at 10: 50 am, among early arrivals at the meeting are: Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, of Enugu State, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Governor, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State and Governor of Akwa Ibom, Mr. Udom Emmanuel. Also Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abioudun have been sighted.
Others represented by their deputies are: Edo State, Philip Shaibu and Ebonyi State, Dr. Eric Kelechi Igwe.
Members of the forum are being ushered in by the host Governor, Bababjide Sanwo-Olu.
The parley, is also expected to discuss issues bothering on insecurity, true federalism, open grazing, state police, restructuring, food security, among others.
To this end, it will also review the level of achievements of the resolutions arrived at the last meeting and chart the way forward.
The main objective is to further articulate collective interest and reiterate commitment to a united Nigeria capable of guaranteeing equity, fairness and justice in an atmosphere of true federalism.
The three Southern zones are faced with common challenges, ranging from: worsening security, separatist agitation, socio-economic, open grazing, state police, restructuring, food security, among others.
The first time the Southern governors met was in 2001 in Lagos under the auspices of the former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju BolaTinubu. A similar event was also convened in Lagos during the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
The summiteers are determined to look beyond tribe, tongue and political affiliation to the issues that limit the expression of their autonomy within the context of the Nigerian federation.
Details later…