South-South Governors unite to establish regional security network

January 29, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

To enhance safety and security in the South-South region, the regional Governors’ Forum has resolved to establish a robust, structured regional security network.

This decision was reached during the forum’s meeting on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Government House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The Governors also urged the Federal Government to expedite the completion of the East-West Road, a critical infrastructure that links the region’s states.

“We need to prioritize the completion of this road to facilitate economic growth and development in the region,” said the Governors.

The forum expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bill, with a caveat.

They urged the President to extend the proposed VAT sharing percentages to other areas of derivation, such as oil and gas.

“We believe that this will ensure a more equitable distribution of resources and promote economic development in the region,” said the Governors.

The forum, which comprises governors from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers states, emphasized the need for unity and collaborative governance in addressing the region’s challenges.

They also called for the activation of the railway line in Port Harcourt and its connection to other states in the region.

Other key resolutions from the meeting include economic Diversification that encourages member states to broaden their economic horizons by diversifying beyond oil and gas.

Earlier, the Governors unanimously elected Douye Diri as chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, while Cross River Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, emerged as vice chairman.

Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, moved the motion nominating Diri, while his Rivers State counterpart, Siminalayi Fubara, seconded it.