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Next President Must Emerge From Southern Nigeria, SGF Insists
The Governors of Southern States of Nigeria, under the aegis of Southern Governors Forum (SGF) have demanded that the next president of Nigeria should emerge from the South.
The demand is part of the 6-point communique of the forum that met at the Lagos State Government House, last Monday.
The Southern Governors Forum (SGF) had met to review the prevailing security situation in Nigeria, the constitutional amendment and the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), among others.
Reading the communiqué after the closed-door meeting to journalists, the Ondo State Governor and Chairman of the forum, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), said the demand was in keeping with the principle of equity and fairness.
“The forum reiterates its commitment to the politics of equity, fairness and unanimously agreed that the presidency of Nigeria be rotated between southern and northern Nigeria and resolved that the next President of Nigeria should emerge from the South”, the communiqué read in part.
The forum set Wednesday, September 1, 2021 as timeline for the promulgation of the anti-open grazing law in all southern states of Nigeria.
SGF also rejected the removal of the electronic transmission of the election result from the electoral act because it will frustrate the consolidation of the nation’s democracy and by extension strengthen the electoral process.
Also, the rejection extended to the declared confirmation of an exclusive jurisdiction in pre-election matters on the Federal High Court.
The forum restated its stance in support of state police, while also commending security operatives for their relentless efforts in restoring security and safety across the country.
According the communique, the governors commiserate with families and loved ones of security operatives who have fallen in the line of duty.
It said, the forum “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.
“Resolved that funds deducted from the Federation Account for the Nigeria Police Security Trust Fund should be distributed among the states and Federal Government to combat security challenges”.
Akeredolu, also read that the forum commended the National Assembly for the progress made in the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). Per cent share of the oil revenue, as recommended by the House of Representatives that should be given to the host community.
“The forum also rejects the proposed 30 per cent share of profit for the exploration of oil and gas in the basins.
The communique, according to the forum’s chairman, also rejected the ownership structure of the proposed Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).
It disagreed with the position that such power over the company be vested in the Federal Ministry of Finance.
The southern governors also agreed that the company should rather be held in trust by Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) since all tiers of government have stakes in that vehicle.
Present at the meeting were the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike; Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa; Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Emmanuel Udom; and Governor of Osun State, Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola.
Others were the Governor of Ogun State, Oluwaseyi Abiodun; Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde; Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Diri Duoye; and Ekiti State Governor, Dr John Olukayode Fayemi.
Also in attendance were Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; and the host, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The governors of Edo, Imo, Abia, Anambra and Ebonyi states were represented by their deputy.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol