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•Resolve to set up security fund
By Oluseye Ojo
South West Governors’ Forum has renewed its call for the establishment of state police, saying, “the time is now” and it can no longer be delayed in view of the security challenges threatening the corporate existence of Nigeria.
The governors also enjoined the Federal Government to deploy forest guards across the region to tackle insecurity and environmental degradation.
The call was made in a communiqué issued at the end of a meeting of the forum, comprising the governors of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo states, held at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, Oyo State, yesterday.
The meeting was attended by Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) and Biodun Oyebamji (Ekiti). Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, was represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi.
The governors expressed concern over the escalating insecurity in the region, including kidnappings, banditry, and illegal mining activities.
They commended President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in fighting insecurity and implementing economic reforms. They expressed solidarity with the Federal Government in its efforts to address the recent spate of kidnappings in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger states.
The meeting resolved to set up a South West Security Fund (SWSF) under the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission to be administered by the Forum of Special Advisers on Security of all South West States, with a monthly meeting schedule.
The Forum also resolved to establish a live, digital intelligence-sharing platform among all six South West states to exchange threat notifications, incident logs, traveler and cargo alerts, and coordinate state-to-state rapid response.
The governors also called for stricter regulation of mining activities in the region, emphasising the need for a comprehensive and enforceable licensing framework, strengthened monitoring mechanisms, and strict enforcement actions against violators.
They expressed concern over the environmental safety, public health, and regional security implications of illegal mining activities.
The meeting also called on all South West people to remain united and committed to the peace that exists in the region.
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“We remain one, indivisible entity that will continue to enjoy and guard the religious tolerance that we have always been known for.”
The communique read in part: “The Forum agreed to set up a South West Security Fund (SWSF) under DAWN Commission to be administered by 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, Ekiti). This platform will exchange threat notifications, incident logs, traveler and cargo alerts and coordinate state-to-state rapid response.
“The Forum commends the efforts of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Hunters, Amotekun Corps Members and all the other security agencies. The Forum calls on the Federal Government to note the urgent need for enhanced forest surveillance across the South West States and to secure the vast forest belts that have become hideouts for criminal elements.
“To this end, the Forum agrees that the Federal Government should help deploy Forest Guards across the South west states, with each State Government responsible for providing the required personnel.
“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 governors also expressed deep concern on the unregulated interstate migration, which they said, has continued to pose significant challenges across the South West.
“The forum calls for stricter border monitoring, data collection and self identification and for each of the South West States to work with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for proper identification. The forum agrees to intensify security collaboration to ensure that interstate migration does not become a conduit for insecurity.
“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 South West governors also acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of the Federal Government in providing food sufficiency and in particular commends the various farmers in the region for the increase in agricultural outputs and subsequent stability and reduction in food prices.
The forum thanked Tinubu for the establishment of the South West Development Commission and charged the commission to effectively deliver on its mandate.
“The Forum commends the DAWN Commission and its activities on regional integration and security.”
