The Governors of Southern States of the country on Tuesday, in one voice, announced banned open grazing and movement of cattle by foot across the region as part of measures to check incursion of armed herders and banditry.

The governors made this known in a communique at the end of their meeting in Asaba in which they also called for a review of federal appointments to reflect federal character in what appears a strong vote against nepotism.

In the communiqué read by Chairman of Southern Governors Forum, Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, they said that prevailing insecurity in the country had presented severe security challenge such that citizens were unable to live normal lives, including pursuing productive activities.

The Forum stated that the precarious security situation in the country had become a threat to food supply, adding that the development and population growth had put pressure on available land and increased prospects of conflict between migrating herders and local populations in the South.

The governors called on the Federal Government to support willing States to develop alternative and modern livestock management systems.

They agreed that the progress of the nation required that urgent and bold steps be taken to restructure Nigeria’s federation to encourage evolution of state police, revenue allocation formula review in favour of sub-national governments and creation of institutions which would legitimately advance commitment to and practice of true federalism.

The governors also urged the Federal Government to convoke a national dialogue in view of widespread agitations among various peoples “for greater inclusiveness in existing governance arrangements’’.

In a strong vote against nepotism, the governors recommended a review of appointments into Federal Government agencies, including security agencies, to reflect federal character as Nigeria’s overall population is heterogeneous.

“The governors expressed concern on the continued gridlock on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway and the chokehold it has exerted on the nation’s economy being the sole outlet from Apapa Wharf.

“The meeting recommended the activation and establishment of ports in other States of the federation to create new jobs and promote socio-economic activities in the country,’’ they stated.

The Forum also expressed concern on the economic implications of another lockdown on the country over COVID-19 pandemic as announced by the Federal Government on Monday, and called for greater coordination and cooperation between federal and state governments in evolving strategies for dealing with the pandemic.

“The Southern Governors also expressed very grave concern on the security challenge currently plaguing the nation and strongly urged President Muhammadu Buhari to address Nigerians on the challenges and restore the confidence of the people,” the communique added.

Those who attended the meeting were Governors Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo, Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti and Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, who was the host.

Others were Governors Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu, Dave Umahi of Ebonyi, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Willie Obiano of Anambra and Deputy Governor of Akwa-Ibom, Mr Moses Ekpo and his Imo counterpart, Prof. Placid Njoku.

Governors of Osun and Cross River, Isiaka Gboyega and Prof. Ben Ayade were absent at the meeting.