All Governors in Southern Nigeria have agreed to ban open grazing, in a bid to curb the running battle between local farmers and herdsmen.
In a meeting held in Asaba, Delta State capital, the governors also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to address Nigerians on the state of the nation.
A call for the restructuring of the country to address increasing agitations in different parts of the nation was also demanded by the 15 southern governors.
Ondo Governor Rotimi Akeredolu gave the details of the meeting on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. Thirteen governors and two deputies – from Imo and Akwa Ibom – were present at the meeting held in Asaba, Delta State capital.
“We observed that the incursion of armed herders, criminals, and bandits into the Southern part of the country has presented a severe security challenge such that citizens are not able to live their normal lives including pursuing various productive activities leading to a threat to food supply and general security,” Akeredolu said. “Consequently, the meeting resolved that open grazing of cattle be banned across Southern Nigeria.”
He went on: “Agreed that the progress of the nation requires that urgent and bold steps be taken to restructure the Nigerian Federation leading to the evolution of state police, review of revenue allocation formula in favour of the sub-national governments and creation of other institutions which legitimately advance our commitment to and practice of true federalism.
“In view of widespread agitations among our various peoples for greater inclusiveness in existing governance arrangements, the Federal Government should convoke a national dialogue as a matter of urgency.”
