The governors of the 17 southern states of the federation have called for true federalism, restructuring of the country and a review of the FAAC sharing formula, even as they called for a united Nigeria and greater cooperation among southern states.
In attendance at the first meeting of the southern governors in 12 years were Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose; Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu; Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola; Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; and Lagos state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.
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, Emmanuel Udom; and Ebonyi State, David Umahi.
The geputy governors of Anambra, Dr. Nkem Okeke and Cross River State, Prof. Ivara Esu, were also present.
Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha was absent and did not send a representative.
“The Southern Governors’ Forum at its meeting in Ikeja restated their commitment to a united, indivisible Nigeria. The summit also reiterated its position on true federalism and devolution of powers.
“It restated its commitment to collaborate with one another for the growth and development of their economies. The summit restated commitment to security of lives and properties of the citizens.
“The summit also emphasised the need for effective linkage of good infrastructure within the sphere of Southern Nigeria. The summit unanimously appointed Governor Ambode as chairman and Governors Dickson and Umahi as co-chairmen.”
“There is certainly a lot to be done about true federalism, an issue that requires urgent, meticulous and proactive attention from the forum.
“No less disturbing is the failure to undertake the periodic review of the revenue allocation formula as provided for by the 1999 Constitution to reflect evolving realities.
“This is another critical matter that ought to engage this forum in order to enhance the viability of the state and local governments as well as their capacity to fulfill their developmental roles in the polity,” the Lagos governor had said.
He lamented that states “are being disparaged for always carrying begging bowls to Abuja in the quest for handouts from the federal government”.
“This is a function of our present National Constitution that burdens the federal government with activities and responsibilities that rightly fall within the province of the states,” he added.
Ambode noted that the productivity and revenue-generating capacities of most of the states were being stifled, effectively turning them into no better than street beggar states incapable of even meeting the routine obligations of paying workers’ salaries and pensions without federal support, ThisDay reports.
Citing the example of Lagos State in the struggle for true federalism, Ambode explained that the state had fought and won several legal battles since 1999, which he said had systematically strengthened her autonomy and enhanced her fiscal viability.
Over the years, he said, the state “has won legal control over the management of its environment, control of urban and physical planning, regulation of overhead masts, registration and regulation of hotels and restaurants, and control of her inland waterways”.
He said the victory did not belong to Lagos alone, but to all other states in the federation and which they must explore significantly.
“I believe if Lagos has been able to achieve so much fighting single-handedly, the forum can accomplish much more by thinking, planning, strategising and acting together,” he said.