Southern Governors, on Monday, set September 21, 2021, as deadline for the implementation of anti-open grazing laws in all the states in the region.
The governors jointly agreed on the date during their meeting in Lagos.
While their meeting lasted, the governors also deliberated on insecurity, constitution amendment, PIB and anti-open grazing law in all member-states.
Aside from Sanwo-Olu, the host governor, others, who attended the meeting are Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Emmanuel Udom (Akwa Ibom), Diri Duoye (Bayelsa), Willie Obiano (Anambra), Ben Ayade (Cross Rivers), Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), David Umahi (Ebonyi), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Adegboyega Oyetola (Osun), Oluwaseyi Makinde (Oyo), and Nyesom Wike (Rivers).
The communique issued after the meeting partly read, “The Forum reviewed the security situation in the country and commends security operatives for their relentless efforts in restoring security and safety and commiserates with families and loved ones of those who have fallen in the line of duty; re-emphasised the need for State Police; 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; set a timeline of Wednesday, 1st September, 2021 for the promulgation of the anti-open grazing law in all member states; and 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.”
The Southern governors had in a communiqué issued at the end of their penultimate meeting in Asaba, banned open grazing as part of the efforts to stop killings and kidnapping by herdsmen.
The Presidency, however, faulted the ban on open grazing a few days after the Asaba meeting.
Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, had, in a statement, said, “It is equally true that their (governors’) announcement is of questionable legality, given the constitutional right of all Nigerians to enjoy the same rights and freedoms within every one of our 36 states (and FCT), regardless of the state of their birth or residence.”