The decisions reached by Southern Nigeria Governors in Asaba, which banned open grazing, among others, has been described as a timely move by leaders as panacea for the restoration of peace and security in the seventeen States.
Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Communications while speaking as a phone-in guest of Quest Ratio and Television on Monday 17th May, said it will be a disservice to the people of Southern Nigeria, if the governors ignored their call, requesting them to protect SN against obvious security threats, occasioned by frequent attacks, unlawful killings and kidnapping alleged to be perpetuated by Fulani herders.
Oghenesivbe posited that the watertight cooperation of SN governors is commendable in the face of perceived inability or deliberate refusal of the federal government to decisively tackle the high rate of unlawful killings and kidnapping for ransom, adding that the United States Intelligence agencies has revealed that the whole of Southern Nigeria have been strategically occupied by bandits and terrorists, a development which calls for concern by state governors and the federal government.
Okowa’s EAC further asserted that the call on President Mohammadu Buhari, by SNG to address the nation, cannot be over emphasized because of incessant national security threats and persistent banditry, noting that the development is disturbing because it affects the socioeconomic advancement of Nigeria.
He said Mr President ought to have regular interface with Nigerians, visit affected states and community where innocent Nigerians have been unlawfully killed, and to order proper documentation of property destroyed, to express his concern as the father of the nation.
“It appears that the federal government is not doing enough to end banditry and unlawful killings in the country, coupled with the reckless and provocative statements coming from Meyetti Allah Fulani Group, known to be in control of Fulani herders nationwide.
“In the face of daunting security challenges in Southern Nigeria, which had progressed from bad to worse, it became obvious that the governors can no longer fold their hands and watch criminality in the three geopolitical zones. Therefore, It is their constitutional duties as the Chief Security Officers in their respective States to join efforts, so as to collectively take result oriented steps to secure SN territories and her people; pull human and other resources together whenever the need arises to checkmate the criminal activities of bandits and social deviants.
“It is heart warming that the federal and state legislators in Southern Nigeria, have unanimously endorsed Asaba Accord, and right about now, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, is hosting the governors to further deliberate on the vexed issues of national security as it affects SN,” Oghenesivbe added.