Full details of what transpired at meeting of southern governors forum in Ikeja

Governor of Ondo state, H. E. has a communique revealing what transpired at the conclusion of the meeting of governors of southern Nigeria at the Lagos state government house, Ikeja. 

It stated that during the governors reviewed the situation in the country and focused on the current security situation, constitutional amendment, and Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

At the meeting, the Forum restated it's commitment to the politics of equity, fairness and unanimously agreed that the presidency of Nigeria be rotated between Southern and Northern Nigeria, and resolved that the next president of the country should emerge from the Southern region. 

On Security issues, the Forum re-emphasised the need for state police, adding that if for any reason security institutions need to undertake an operation in any state, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) must be informed. 

The forum agreed against selective criminal administration of justice, stating that arrests should be made within the ambit of the law and fundamental human rights. 

It set a timeline of Wednesday September 1, 2021 for the promulgation of the anti open grazing law in all member states, and resilsbsd that the funds deducted from the federation account for the Nigeria Police Security Trust Fund should be distributed among the states.

In regards to the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) law, the Forum commended the National Assembly for the progress made in the passage of the PIB. However, it rejected the proposed 3%, but supported 5% share of the oil revenue to the host community as recommended by the House of Representatives.

It also rejected 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.

Also, the Forum chose Lagos state as itself permanent secretariat, and commended him for the good work he has done in the state.