The Southern Governors Forum has resolved that the next president of Nigeria should emerge from the Southern Region.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its meeting held at Lagos State Government House on July 5th 2021.
The Forum reiterated its commitment to the politics of equity, fairness and unanimously agreed that the presidency of Nigeria be rotated between Southern and Northern Nigeria.
All the Southern Governors also reviewed the situation in the Country and focused on the current security situation, constitutional amendment, Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).
On the Security situation in the country, the Forum commended security operatives for their relentless efforts in restoring security and safety.
A communiqué signed by Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu commiserated with families and loved ones of officers who have fallen in the line of duty, re-emphasising the need for State Police.
The Communiqué resolved 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 read in part, “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 Forum consisiting of sixteen Governor’s set a timeline of Wednesday, 1st September, 2021 for the promulgation of the anti open grazing law in all member States.
Also, The forum 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.
Commenting on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) Law, the Forum commended the National Assembly for the progress made in the passage of the PIB.
However, the Forum rejected 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”, it read.
“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”, the communiqué stated.
“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 communiqué further stated.