Southern Nigeria back resolution by 17 governors to ban open grazing

Members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives from the 17 southern states have unanimously endorsed the resolutions of the Southern Governors’ Forum, which include the ban on open grazing, the demand for true federalism, and the call for restructuring to address the nation’s security challenges. This collective stance was articulated in a statement signed by 21 lawmakers on behalf of their colleagues.

The Southern Governors’ Forum had previously convened in Asaba, Delta State, where they collectively decided to prohibit open grazing across the southern region. They cited the incursion of armed herders, criminals, and bandits into the southern part of the country as a severe security challenge, leading to threats to food supply and general security. The governors also called for the federal government to support willing states in developing alternative and modern livestock management systems.

In their statement, the southern members of the House of Representatives expressed strong support for the governors’ decision, emphasizing that the ban on open grazing is a crucial step toward addressing the infiltration of bandits, armed herders, and terrorist elements. They highlighted the escalating security challenges, including killings and attacks on innocent citizens, which have disrupted social life, economic activities, and food production in the region.

The lawmakers also backed the governors’ call for true federalism through restructuring, advocating for the devolution of power, the creation of state police, a review of resource control, and the revenue allocation formula. They underscored the importance of strict adherence to the federal character principle in federal appointments to ensure fairness, justice, and equity, thereby fostering national stability, productivity, and peaceful coexistence.

Furthermore, the MPs urged individuals opposing the devolution of power and the review of the revenue control and allocation formula to reconsider their positions. They argued that such reviews are essential for stabilizing the nation and promoting regional or state productivity and healthy development at all levels.

This unified support from the southern lawmakers underscores a collective commitment to addressing the pressing security concerns and advocating for a more equitable and effective governance structure in Nigeria.