BEVERLY HILLS, October 24, (THEWILL) –Â Governors of the Southern states of the country have reiterated their belief in true federalism within the context of a united Nigeria while also backing the campaign for true federalism and devolution of power.
The Governors made this known in a communique at the end of the first meeting of the 17 Southerm states on Monday, 12 years after the Forum was inaugurated, read by the host, Akinwunmi Ambode, with a resolve to collaborate with one another for the growth and development of their economies.
The governors emphasised priority on security of lives and property of citizens, while also resolving to work on effective linkage on good infrastructure across the 17 states in the region.
They insisted that the goals of true federalism, which included the strengthening of autonomy and the enhancement of fiscal viability, would enable the states to develop at their own pace, based on their peculiarities.
However, they said a lot needed to be done and achieved, stressing that true federalism required urgent, meticulous and proactive attention by the forum and frowned at the non-periodic review of the revenue formula as provided by the constitution to reflect evolving realities.
Ambode was unanimously appointed as the Chairman of the forum while Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa and David Umahi of Ebonyi States were appointed as Co- Chairmen.
Aside Ambode, governors present include Gov. Ayo Fayose of Ekiti; Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun; Ondo State governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu; Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola and Oyo State governor, Mr Abiola Ajimobi.
Also present were the Governors of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike; Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki; Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu; Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Akwa Ibom State, Mr Emmanuel Udom and Ebonyi State, David Umahi.
The Deputy Governors of Anambra, Dr Nkem Okeke, and Cross River State, Prof. Ivara Esu were also present at the event representing Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Anambra State Governor Willy Obiano. However, Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha was the only governor who did not attend and failed to send a representative.
