By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – Governors of Southern States in Nigeria have demanded that the south should produce the next President of the country in 2023.
While directing that as from Wednesday, 1st September, 2021, all member states must promulgate the anti-open grazing law, they also demanded 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.
The Governors rejected the proposed 3% share of oil revenue and expressed support for the 5% share of the oil revenue to the host community as recommended by the House of Representatives in the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) passed by the Parliament.
These were contained in a communique issued at the end of the meeting of Southern Governors Forum in Lagos State on Monday, July 5, 2021.
The communique signed by the Chairman of the forum, who is also the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, stated that they reviewed the security situation in the country, constitutional amendment and Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).
He said the Forum reiterated its commitment to the politics of equity, fairness and 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.
The Governors, the communique added, also re-affirmed their commitment to the unity of Nigeria on the pillars of equity, fairness, justice, progress and peaceful co-existence between and amongst its people.
On security, they 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.
The southern Governors re-emphasised the need for State Police, stressing that 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.
It frowned at selective criminal administration of Justice and resolved that arrests should be made within the ambit of the Law and fundamental human rights.
The communique added: “The forum also rejects the proposed 30% share of profit for the exploration of oil and gas in the basin.
“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.
“In order to consolidate our democracy and strengthen the Electoral process, the Southern Governors’ Forum reject the removal of the Electronic transmission of the election result from the electoral act; and also rejects the confirmation of exclusive jurisdiction in pre-election matters on the Federal High Court.
“The Forum unanimously chose Lagos State as its permanent secretariat and appreciated the Governor of Lagos State for the wonderful hosting of this meeting while commending him for his good work in the State.”