\u2026Appoint Ambode Chairman, Dickson, Umahi As Co-Chairmen<\/strong><\/p>\n \n For the first time in 12 years, Governors of the Southern States of Nigeria on Monday met in Lagos, where they unanimously reiterated the call for true federalism\u00a0and\u00a0devolution of powers to\u00a0States.<\/p>\n The Governors,\u00a0in a communique at the end of the meeting read by the host Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, also resolved to collaborate with one another for the growth and development of their economies.<\/p>\n Aside Governor Ambode, the meeting was attended by Governors of Ogun, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Oyo, Seantor Abiola Ajimobi; Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Ebonyi, David\u00a0Umahi; Edo, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Ondo, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu; Abia, Mr. Okezie Ikpeazu; Enugu, Mr. Henry Ugwuanyi; Bayelsa, Mr. Seriaki Dickson and Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose.<\/p>\n Governors of Cross River, Anambra and Delta were represented by their Deputies – Mr. Evara Esu; Dr. Ikem Okeke and Mr. Kingsley Otuaru respectively.<\/p>\n Continuing\u00a0with the communique, Governor Ambode said the Governors after extensive deliberations, also\u00a0emphasized priority on security and lives and property of citizens of the regions, while also resolving to work on effective linkage on good infrastructure across the 17\u00a0States in the region.<\/p>\n At the meeting, Governor Ambode was unanimously appointed as the Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum (SGF) while Governors Seriaki Dickson of Bayelsa and David Umahi of Ebonyi States were appointed as Co- Chairmen of the Forum.<\/p>\n The Forum also scheduled the next meeting for Port Harcourt in a yet to be announced date.<\/p>\n Earlier, Governor Ambode, while welcoming his colleagues to the meeting, reflected on the clamour for true federalism and devolution of powers, saying that states will benefit from the envisaged restructuring.<\/p>\n He said the goals of true federalism, which included the strengthening of autonomy and the enhancement of fiscal viability will enable the states to develop at their own pace and based on their peculiarities.<\/p>\n He said the forum had achieved an increased awareness on the sustenance of the national question germane to peaceful co-existence in the country.<\/p>\n However, he said there is a lot to be done and achieved, stressing that true federalism required urgent, meticulous and proactive attention by the forum.<\/p>\n Ambode frowned at what he described as the non-periodic review of the revenue formula as provided by the constitution to reflect evolving realities.<\/p>\n He said the review is crucial to enhance the viability of states and local government and their capacity to fulfil their developmental roles in the polity.<\/p>\n The governor added: \u201cStates are disparaged for always carrying begging bowls to Abuja in quest of hand-outs from the Federal Government. This is a function of our present national constitution that burdens the Federal Government with activities and responsibilities that rightly fall within the province of states.<\/p>\n \u201cThe productivity and revenue-generating capacities of most states are thus stifled, thus turning them into no better than street beggar states incapable of even meeting routine obligations of paying workers\u2019 salaries and pensions without federal support.\u201d<\/p>\n Ambode recalled that Lagos State had fought and won several legal battles since 1999 that have systematically strengthened her autonomy and enhanced her fiscal viability.<\/p>\n He noted that the state had won the legal control over the management of its environment, the control of urban and physical planning, the regulation of overhead masts, the registration and regulation of hotels and restaurants, and the control of inland waterways.<\/p>\n Ambode said these victories belonged, not only to Lagos, but also to other states, adding that, if Lagos could achieve so much by fighting alone, the Southern Governors\u2019 Forum will accomplish more through collective planning and strategy.<\/p>\n![\"AX8W1431\"](\"https:\/\/akinwunmiambode.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AX8W1431.jpg\")
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