BY NATIONAL PANEL REPORTERS
The governors in a communique issued at the conclusion of their meeting on Monday at Lagos State Government House, Ikeja made the resolution.
The Southern Governors Forum agreed to re-affirm their commitment to the unity of Nigeria on the pillars of equity, fairness, justice, progress and peaceful co-existence between and amongst its people.
It reiterated its commitment to "the politics of equity, fairness and unanimously agrees that the presidency of Nigeria be rotated between Southern and Northern Nigeria and resolved that the next president of Nigeria should emerge from the Southern Region."
The Forum also reviewed the security situation in the country and commended security operatives for their relentless efforts in restoring security and safety as it commiserated with families and loved ones of those who have fallen in the line of duty
It re-emphasised the need for State Police and resolved that if for any reason security institutions need to undertake an operation in any State, the Chief Security Officer of the State must be duly informed.
The Forum frowned at selective criminal administration of justice and resolved that arrests should be made within the ambit of the Law and fundamental human rights; set a timeline of Wednesday, 1st September, 2021 for the promulgation of the anti open grazing law in all member States.
It as well resolved that Funds deducted from the Federation Account for the Nigeria Police Security Trust Fund should be distributed among the States and Federal Government to combat security challenges.
The Forum who commended the National Assembly for the progress made in the passage of the PIB; rejected the proposed 3% and support the 5% share of the oil revenue to the host community as recommended by the House of Representatives.
The forum also rejected the proposed 30% share of profit for the exploration of oil and gas in the basins, that of the ownership structure of the proposed Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).
The Southern governors disagreed 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.
"The Forum unanimously chose Lagos State as its permanent secretariat and appreciated the Governor of Lagos State for the wonderful hosting of this meeting while commending him for his good work in the State," parts of the communique read.
