Anthony Iwuoma
Governors of the 17 Southern states have condemned what they described as selective administration of criminal justice in the country.
The governors, who met in Lagos yesterday under the aegis of Southern Governors Forum, also insisted that being the chief security officers of their respective states, security operatives must seek their approval before undertaking any operation in there.
According to the communique issued at the end of the meeting, the governors, which was signed by the Governor of Ondo State and Chairman of Southern Governors Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu: “The Forum reviewed the security situation in the country and commends security operatives for their relentless efforts in restoring security and safety and commiserates with families and loved ones of those who have fallen in the line of duty.
“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 frowns at selective criminal administration of Justice and resolved that arrests should be made within the ambit of the law and fundamental human rights.”
The governors also set September 1, 2021 set as timeline for the promulgation of the anti-open grazing law in all southern states.
The governors preached a just, equitable and united Nigeria but also insisted that the next president should come from the South.
According to the communique, the state Chief executives “Re-affirmed their commitment to the unity of Nigeria on the pillars of equity, fairness, justice, progress and peaceful co-existence between and amongst its people.
“The Forum reiterates 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 recently passed controversial Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) also came up for review.
While commending the National Assembly for the progress made in its passage, the forum rejected the proposed 3% share of the oil revenue to the host community and supported the 5% recommended by the House of Representatives.
The communique further said: “The forum also rejects the proposed 30% share of profit for the exploration of oil and gas in the basins.”
The forum stated its concern for better electoral processes and, therefore, “rejected 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.”