Olushola Omogbehin
In the order to end the recent rise in insecurity across Nigeria, the South-West Governors’ Forum in their meeting on Monday, unveiled a new regional security architecture to protect lives and property in the region as well as declared their total support for the establishment of State Police.
In the meeting which took place inside the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat in Ibadan, the six governors dwelled on the security and economic development of the region.
Reading the outcome of the meeting, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the forum reviewed the current state of security in the region and reaffirmed its support for the establishment of state police.
Stating categorically that “The time is now and it can no longer be delayed” for the establishment of state police, the Forum praised President Tinubu for his intervention in national security and urgent rescue missions in other states.
The governors also expressed firm support for the Federal Government over recent kidnap incidents in Kebbi, Niger and Kwara states.
Calling on the South-West people to be united and committed to the peace that exists in the region, the governors said, the region remain one, indivisible entity that will continue to enjoy and guard the religious tolerance that we have always been known for.
“The Forum commends Mr President, Bola Tinubu, on the fight against insecurity and various economic reforms and other developmental agenda.”
“The Forum expresses solidarity with the Federal Government in its efforts in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States after the recent spate of kidnappings.
“The Forum applauds the swift response of the Federal Government towards the rescue of the Kwara abductees and more than 51 students of the Catholic School, Niger State.”
“The Forum agreed to set up a South West Security Fund (SWSF) under DAWN Commission to be administered by the Forum of Special Advisers on Security of all South West States and to meet monthly.
“The Forum resolves to establish a live, digital intelligence-sharing platform among all six South West states (Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti). This platform will exchange threat notifications, incident logs, traveller and cargo alerts, and coordinate state-to-state rapid response.
“The Forum calls on the Federal Government to note the urgent need for enhanced forest surveillance across the South West States and calls for the Federal Government to secure the vast forest belts that have become hideouts for criminal elements.
“The Governors reaffirm their collective commitment to reclaiming the forests, and ensuring that these spaces no longer serve as safe corridors for banditry, kidnapping, or any form of criminal activities.
“The Forum expresses deep concern about the unregulated interstate migration that continues to pose significant challenges across the Southwest.
“The Forum expresses deep concern over the escalating illegal mining activities across the South-West States, which continue to threaten environmental safety, public health and regional security: The forum calls for a comprehensive and enforceable licensing framework, strengthened monitoring mechanisms, and strict enforcement actions against violators who may perpetrate violent crimes under the guise of mining.”
The Forum also commended the efforts of the Federal Government in food provision to ensure sufficiency and the farmers in the region for the increase in agricultural output and subsequent stability and reduction in food prices.
