Southern Govs, traditional rulers endorse Tinubu, pledge unity

The Southern Governors Forum (SGF) and the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council on Wednesday expressed strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying his leadership has shown commitment to national stability, reforms, and tackling rising security concerns.

In a joint communique issued after their regional meeting in Ogun State, the SGF warned that some groups were attempting to create tension in the South by spreading false information and fear.

They assured citizens that Southern Nigeria remained united, peaceful, and committed to harmony across ethnic and religious lines.

The leaders also resolved to maintain a single, united voice in defending the interests of the region. They pledged to continue working closely with the Federal Government to promote peace, prosperity, and overall national progress.

The communique was read by the host Governor Dapo Abiodun who also doubles as the Chairman of SGF.

The meeting had in attendance Governors Babajide Sanwo – Olu(Lagos); Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers);Alex Otti (Abia); Biodun Oyebamiji( Ekiti); Francis Nwifuru(Ebonyi); Peter Mbah(Enugu)! Charles Soludo(Anambra) and Lucky Aiyedatiwa(Ondo) while deputy Governors Kola Adewusi(Osun); Bayo Lawal( Oyo) Peter Odey(Cross River) and Dennis Idahosa(Edo) represented their respective principals.

Traditional rulers drawn from the southern region of the country in

attendance are the Dein of Agbor, Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi, Alake of Egbaland, Oba Addition Gbadebo, the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade and the Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlegeamong others.

Also in attendance were security chiefs from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who provided comprehensive briefings on the security situation across the region, with emphasis on the need to address equipment deficits, manpower gaps, intelligence coordination, and federal-state synergies.

The communique reads in part: “In a strong demonstration of unity, the Forum and the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council jointly passed a Vote of Confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in recognition of his leadership and unwavering commitment to national stability and reform.

“The Forum recalled the Asaba Accord, wherein Southern Governors, in May 2021, unanimously advocated for a President of Southern extraction. Again, the forum restates its support for a Southern President and in person of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

“The Forum addressed attempts to sow discord and propagate disinformation and fear within the region. It reassured all citizens that Southern Nigeria remains united, indivisible, and committed to peaceful coexistence across religious and cultural lines.

“The Forum pledged to continue speaking with one voice, advancing the collective interests of the South, and working collaboratively with the Federal Government to promote peace, prosperity, and progress for all Nigerians.”

And following a thorough review of the security landscape, the Forum also resolved as follows:

“Creation of a Zonal Security Fund: Member states of each geopolitical zone will contribute to a dedicated fund to support zonal security operations and capacity building. A monthly Zonal Security Coordination Meeting of Security Advisers will be institutionalized.

“Enhanced Intelligence Communication Infrastructure: The Forum adopted an intelligence-sharing framework supported by modern communication equipment and surveillance technologies, enabling realtime monitoring and coordinated responses across states. To this end, the forum resolved that each member state in each zone (that is SW, SE & SS) shall jointly invest in equipment that will allow effective communication across states lines.

“Advocacy for State Policing: The Forum reiterated its longstanding call for the establishment of State Police as a constitutional imperative. It emphasized that the success of community-based and regional security outfits underscores the urgent need for decentralized policing.

“Resident Identification Programme: Member states were encouraged to collaborate with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to implement a unified state resident identification system.

” Support for Regional Security Structures: The Forum resolved to enhance regional and local security outfits including hunter associations and community-based surveillance units through the provision of equipment, logistics, and operational support.

“Governance of Land and Mining Activities: States were urged to partner with traditional rulers to regulate land allocation and prevent indiscriminate practices that could lead to security risks. The Forum also resolved to combat illegal mining activities, which have caused significant ecological damage, by working with environmental authorities and traditional councils.

“Institutional Strengthening of Traditional Councils: Member states were encouraged to provide direct financial and operational support to their traditional councils, enabling them to play a more effective role in governance, security, and peacebuilding.”

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