By Salim Yunusa
Seventeen governors in the Southern part of the country under the Southern Nigeria Governors Forum will meet today in Asaba, Delta State, with insecurity and secession among issues forming the focal points. It is described as an emergency make or mar meeting for the future of the region and Nigeria at large.
The governors had last week met virtually at the behest of Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, as chairmen of the governor’s forum in the Southwest, South-South and Southeast respectively.
At their last week’s meeting, the governors reiterated the need for the unity of the nation amidst divisive tendencies threatening the survival of the country, especially the clamour for secession in the southern regions.
Sources say that the details of that the resolutions at the end of the meeting today will harmonise their positions to stabilise the nation.
The governors have been commended for the bold step of forging a common front in the south, towards helping to stabilise the country.
It was said that there was a bit of resistance from one of the South-South governors, who used the opportunity of the virtual meeting held last week to express his grievances with the conveners, but reason and the dire need for unity prevailed.
According to a source, the attendance of all the governors in last week’s meeting showed the resolve of the governors to find a lasting solution to the present threat of insecurity, leading to calls for secession.
Only the Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, who is from the lone opposition party in the country, APGA, and Cross River Governor, Benedict Ayade, were absent from last week’s virtual meeting.
