Nigeria is a country which its people’s interest are formed along tribal, regional or religious interests. For quite a long time we have been hearing about the northern governors’ forum as if there is no equivalent South. It was there a pleasant surprise to many when it was reported that there was a meeting of Southern governors where far reaching decisions were made.
Historically, it is reported that it has spanned many decades even before independence since an interaction of this nature held last. It therefore came as a shock to many that the 17 governors comprising the old western, mid-western and eastern region could meet to dialogue on issues of common interest.
While such a meeting was never envisaged what added more spice to the encounter is that the decisions rattled their northern counterparts eliciting various reactions from some northern leaders who felt uncomfortable with the outcome of the deliberations. Some of the decisions reached were on issues that bother on the unity of this country but which matters have been abused by the northerners.
One of the major decisions is the ban on open grazing which has grave security implications on the people of the region and which has been fingered as responsible for the greater part of security challenges within the southern Nigeria. The parley which took place in Asaba also called for restructuring and a review of the 1999 constitution which has been identified to harbor so many inadequacies.
The Senate president has criticized the Southern governors’ position on restructuring while Yahaya Bello picked holes with their position arguing that it is an attack or fight against the president. The Attorney-General of the federation, Malami, also took a swipe against the open grazing rule. Other northern leaders did not hide their feelings as well.
There is every indication that the north was indeed unsettled. Their position is quite revealing and simply gives away the fact that they are still bent on their philosophy of ‘born to rule’. Nobody or group should have the monopoly of power in the Nigerian project.
An interesting development in the governors’ confab is the ability to find a common ground on issues irrespective of differing party affiliations. It is clear it has dawned on the governors that they have a common enemy to tackle off the way. Their stand on the matter of restructuring which contrasts sharply with that of northern leaders is a further reflection and deepening of the agitation for separatist states from the Nigerian nation.
Within the Southern region two regional blocks, the South East region and the South West region have been fighting for Biafra and Oduduwa country respectively. Their insistence on realizing same is not in doubt as their present actions at all levels appear geared towards that. It should be noted that all these agitations for restructuring or separations would not have arisen if there is good governance impacting the lives of the people positively.
News Echo wishes to identify with any group that seeks to bring genuine peace because without it there can never be development. Nigeria’s potential for growth has been limited by bad governance. What is of worry is if the gains already recorded by the move of the governors are sustainable?
We urge the governors to keep focused at the ball while upping their ante. There should be no betrayal of any kind. There is this mutual suspicion between the Yoruba and Igbo ethnic groups and which should never be allowed to play up. The absence of a governor in the maiden meeting is already sending a wrong signal.
