Security, constitutional amendment, Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) dominates Southern governors meeting

By Amos Odhe.

The Southern governors meeting in Lagos after crucial discussion on the socio – political situation in the country at the end released a communique that was signed by the chairman of Southern governors Forum, Rotimi Akeredulo, SAN, Ondo state governor.

According to the communique they 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.
 
 The Forum reiterates its commitment to the politics of equity, fairness and unanimously agrees 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.
 The Forum reviewed the security situation in the country and commends security operatives for their relentless efforts in restoring security and safety and commiserates with families and loved ones of those who have fallen in the line of duty;
and   re-emphasised the need for State Police , resolving
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, just
 as the forum frowns at selective criminal administration of Justice and resolved that arrests should be made within the ambit of the Law and fundamental human rights.
The governors advocated for Set a timeline of Wednesday, 1st September, 2021 for the promulgation of the anti open grazing law in all member States, and
  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) Law, the Forum commends the National Assembly for the progress made in the passage of the PIB, but the Forum rejects the proposed 3% and support the 5% share of the oil revenue to the host community as recommended by the House of Representatives.
The forum also rejects the proposed 30% share of profit for the exploration of oil and gas in the basins and rejected the ownership structure of the proposed Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited ( NNPC )
  The Forum also 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.
 According to the   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.