Southern Nigeria’s political and traditional leadership on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to a more secure, united, and economically stable nation as Governors from the South-West, South-East, and South-South met jointly with the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) at the Ogun State Governor’s residence in Iperu-Remo.
The high-level summit, which focused on security, governance, development cooperation, and federal partnership, ended with a comprehensive communiqué outlining far-reaching resolutions.
The Forum expressed deep condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the recent loss of military personnel in Borno State and condemned the spate of abductions in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger States. It commended the successful rescue operations, describing them as proof of the administration’s prioritization of national security.
Southern Governors and Traditional Rulers also praised the President’s “bold and visionary leadership” in stabilizing the nation’s economy, noting improvements in foreign exchange, a seven-month streak of declining inflation, and the easing of food prices. They highlighted landmark infrastructure projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road and the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway as evidence of the administration’s commitment to growth.
The Forum further applauded ongoing reforms in the security sector, particularly the rehabilitation of Police and Civil Defence training facilities, and welcomed the launch of the Renewed Hope Ward Initiative, which is expected to directly impact over five million citizens in Southern Nigeria.
Traditional Rulers to Be Fully Integrated Into State Security Structures
A core session of the meeting involved the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, where both sides agreed on deeper integration of traditional institutions into security and governance systems. The Forum encouraged state governments to formally include traditional rulers in their security councils, citing their proximity to grassroots communities and unique intelligence-gathering capacity.
Security chiefs from the Nigerian Army, Police, DSS, and NSCDC briefed the joint session on the regional security landscape, including equipment shortfalls, manpower constraints, and coordination challenges.
Following deliberations, the Forum adopted several key resolutions:
Key Resolutions
1. Creation of Zonal Security Fund: Each geopolitical zone will establish a dedicated fund for security operations, supported by a monthly zonal meeting of Security Advisers.
2. Strengthened Intelligence Infrastructure: Southern states will jointly invest in modern communication and surveillance systems to enable real-time intelligence sharing and cross-border security collaboration.
3. Renewed Push for State Police: The Forum reaffirmed that state policing is a constitutional necessity and critical to effective community-based security.
4. Unified Resident Identification: States will partner with NIMC to implement harmonized resident identification systems.
5. Support for Regional Security Outfits: Local security groups, including hunter associations and community surveillance teams, will receive equipment, logistics, and operational backing.
6. Regulation of Land and Mining Activities: States will work with traditional rulers to enforce land governance rules and curb illegal mining, which has contributed to insecurity and environmental degradation.
7. Stronger Traditional Councils: Member states will enhance financial and operational support for traditional councils to boost their role in peacebuilding and governance.
Vote of Confidence in President Tinubu
In a show of unity, the Forum and the SNTRC jointly passed a Vote of Confidence in President Tinubu, recalling the historic Asaba Accord of 2021, which championed the emergence of a President from the South. They reaffirmed their continued support for a Southern Presidency under Tinubu’s leadership.
South Remains United — Forum Warns Against Disinformation
The communiqué also addressed recent attempts to incite division within the region. The Forum reassured citizens that Southern Nigeria remains “united, indivisible, and committed to peaceful coexistence across all cultural and religious lines.”
It pledged to continue speaking with one voice while collaborating with the Federal Government to advance peace, prosperity, and sustainable development for all Nigerians.
