File: Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo; Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor, Moses Ekpo; Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Ebonyi’s David Omahi, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, Chairman, Southern Governors Forum and Govenor of Ondo, Rotimi Akeredolu; Senator Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Babajide Sanwolu of Lagos, Enugu State’s Ifeanyi Ugwanyi, Imo Deputy Governor, Placid Njoku; Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia in a photograph after Southern Governors meeting at Government House, Asaba.
By Olasunkanmi Akoni
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, Lagos, 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 Igboho, 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 arrival 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 Fsyemi of Ekiti State and Governor of Akwa Ibom, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abioudun.
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.
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It will also discuss 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.
Buoyed by the determination of the summiteers 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.
Those present besides the host, Ambode were: Governors of Ogun, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Oyo, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Ebonyi, David Umahi; Edo, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Ondo, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu; Abia, Mr. Okezie Ikpeazu; Enugu, Mr. Henry Ugwuanyi; Bayelsa, Mr. Seriaki Dickson and Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose.
Governors of Cross River, Anambra, and Delta, were represented by their Deputies – Mr. Evara Esu; Dr. Ikem Okeke and Mr. Kingsley Otuaru respectively.
Details later…
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