The pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Chief Sunny Onuesoke, has applauded the Southern governors’ stance on restructuring, lopsided federal appointments, national dialogue and abolition of open grazing.
The 17 governors from Southern Nigeria had on Tuesday during their meeting in Asaba banned open grazing, called for restructuring among other resolutions.
The national publicity secretary of PANDEF, Honourable Ken Robinson, noted that the resolutions were informed by the fragile state of the country.
“With the goings-on in the country, we had expected them to meet before now. But, it is a good thing that they have met. It is a welcomed development.
“This would not only foster cooperation among the governors and people of the southern states, but also strengthen the nation’s democracy.
“We have also seen the communique that they issued. It is very commendable. Their resolutions reemphasised our positions, particularly on restructuring, open grazing, and the alarming state of insecurity.
“Citizens now live in fear and are no longer able to freely pursue various livelihoods, across the country, due to the security situation,” he averred. According to him, “PANDEF has repeatedly averred that open grazing is outdated. It is archaic and should not be allowed to continue in a society like ours.
“The days of open grazing are over and the sooner those who are in that business realize it, the better for all of us.
“The governors also accentuated the issue of skewed appointments into Federal Government agencies, including security agencies.
“Recall that PANDEF National leader, Chief Edwin Clark, and 15 other prominent Nigerians are in Court with the President over the serial breaches of the Federal Character in appointments by this administration.
“It is therefore pleasing and reassuring that the governors discussed these issues at their meeting and made those far-reaching resolutions.
The positions they have taken are in tandem with the thoughts and expectations of the people of southern Nigeria.”
