….region backs FG tax reforms, demands increased oil derivation
The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has been elected chairman of the South-South Governors Forum. The decision was made unanimously on Tuesday during a meeting of the forum at the Bayelsa State Government House in Yenagoa.
Governor Diri’s nomination was moved by Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and seconded by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Cross River Governor Senator Bassey Otu was also elected as the forum’s vice chairman.
In his acceptance speech, Diri described his election as a call to higher service and emphasized the need for collective action among the region’s governors to address critical developmental challenges.
“Working together, we have all resolved that our region will not fail. We have seen other regions working while ours was quiet. This is a collective task, not just an office,” Diri said.
The governor highlighted the forum’s objectives, which include fostering regional synergy and advancing investments in critical sectors like security, education, agriculture, power, and tourism. He also proposed establishing a South-South regional flight connection to enhance intra-regional air travel.
Other South-South governors, including Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), expressed optimism about the forum’s renewed focus. They emphasized the importance of collaboration to build a resilient economy beyond oil and gas and urged members to set political affiliations aside for the region’s development.
Forum’s Communique
In a communique issued at the meeting, the governors:
Expressed support for the federal government’s ongoing tax reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Called for the extension of VAT-sharing reforms to include oil and gas derivation, emphasizing the need to increase the minimum 13% oil derivation prescribed by law.
Requested that the coastal road project commence from the Calabar axis to stimulate economic growth.
Urged expedited completion of the East-West Road and the expansion of Ogoni remediation efforts to other polluted areas in the region.
Announced plans to establish a robust regional security network to enhance safety.
The governors also commended President Tinubu for initiating the coastal road project and ongoing work on the East-West Road but stressed the need for timely completion to benefit the region.
Celebrating Sim Fubara
The meeting concluded with a celebration of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s 50th birthday, marking a high point of camaraderie among the governors.
The forum’s renewed focus under Governor Diri aims to address the longstanding developmental challenges of the South-South region and foster a united front for progress.