S’South, S’East govs meet, chart path to regions’ growth

GOVERNORS-13-5-13ASABA, the Delta State capital, Sunday hosted a meeting of the South-South governors and their Southeast counterparts, with the chief executives of the states deliberating on the way forward for the region and the country in general.

The first meeting was to review the state of the nation and the topical issues confronting the nation’s “maturing democracy.”

Meanwhile, rising after a meeting to discuss the state of the nation among other vital issues, the South-South Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has canvassed support of Nigerians for the President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration while also making case for wide-ranging constitutional amendment.

At the meeting were host Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan; Senator Liyel Imoke (Cross River); Mr. Peter Obi (Anambra); Chief Theodore Orji (Abia); Chief Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Mr. Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa); Chief Martin Elechi (Ebonyi); Mr. Sullivan Chime (Enugu); and Chief Rochas Okorocha (Imo).

But absent at the closed door parley at the Government House were Governors Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and his Rivers State counterpart, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi. While Amaechi was represented by his deputy, Chief Tele Ikuru, Oshiomhole’s absence was not made public. But reports indicated that the governor went to Auchi to receive a chieftaincy title.

However, both governors, one belonging to the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the other on the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reportedly stayed away from the meeting owing to the perceived political tone of the conclave.

Sources hinted that the meeting, including the second one slated for yesterday’s evening, was convened to discuss issues surrounding the 2015 general elections, particularly President Goodluck Jonathan alleged bid.

Which, perhaps, explains the absence of Amaechi (and for that matter, Oshiomhole), who is reportedly estranged with the president politically. Amaechi’s presence would have given credence to the praises the gathering heaped on President Jonathan in the statement the governors read to reporters at the end of their meeting.

In the very first paragraph of the three-page statement  co-read by Governors Liyel Imoke and Peter Obi, respectively, the governors commended the president “for his focused leadership and bold, result-yielding transformation agenda, which deserves the unwavering support of all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria alike, as the laudable achievements of the administration in strengthening our democracy, stabilising the polity, growing the economy and improving the quality of life of all citizens continue to unfold.”

Specifically on economic and political cooperation between the regions, the governors said: “The South-South and Southeast governors agree on economic and political integration of the old Eastern and Midwest regions now the South-South and Southeast. The governors pledged to strengthen co-operation across the board with particular focus on development of infrastructure linking the regions.

“The governors also called on the Federal Government to rehabilitate all rail lines linking the states in the region as well as embark on the construction of railway links between all the states.

“The governors also pleaded to work together to ensure the development of all the ports in the regions including the Abia Dry Port and called on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to facilitate the development of this objective.”

In addition, they said: “The governors commend Jonathan for the extensive on-going rehabilitation/modernisation of the airports across the country particularly those in our regions.

“The governors also called on the president to establish cargo airports including Owerri and additional deep sea ports in the regions including Ibaka, Escravos, Agge and also call for the dredging of the Calabar port.

“The governors agreed  to revive agro-allied industries particularly in palm and rubber plantations to exploit the comparative advantage in agriculture in the area.

“The governors of the South-South and the Southeast states called on the Federal Government to facilitate the full implementation of the Free Zones status amongst the states of the regions.”

On the security situation in the country, the governors pleaded with all Nigerians “to adopt dialogue and peaceful means to resolve issues reflecting our country.”

The governors also agreed to work together and ensure regional co-operation in stemming the spate of kidnapping, arson, pipeline vandalism as well as other nefarious activities in the regions to secure the regions and ensure that they remain a conducive environment for attracting investments.

They expressed concerns at the “condemnable” behaviour and antics of some Nigerians and their evil collaborators in assaulting the collective psyche of the nation by waging various acts of terrorism.

In a statement issued yesterday, the caucus noted that Jonathan’s administration deserved the unwavering support of all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria alike, as the laudable achievements of the administration in strengthening our democracy, stabilising the polity, growing the economy and improving the quality of lives of all citizens continue to unfold.

The caucus commended the initiative and commitment of the administration on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and urged the National Assembly (NASS) and all stakeholders to support the bill.

It noted that the bill, when passed into law, “is certain to launch Nigeria into the next level of sustainable development of our hydrocarbon resources in a manner that takes into account the needs of the present generation of Nigerians without mortgaging the future.”

It also calls for the review of the Revenue Allocation Formula, saying: “The current formula has long ceased to reflect the changing realities and, therefore, called for its urgent, reasonable and pragmatic review to achieve vertical and horizontal equity among the tiers of government and better enable the federating units to drive development across the country as was the case up to the 1963 Republican Constitution.”

On disproportionate assignment of constitutional responsibilities and fiscal powers, the caucus called for drastic and further devolution of functions and fiscal powers from the centre to the federating units, towards the direction of the 1963 Republican Constitution.

Insisting on the need to make states the effective engines of growth and development and decentralise, localise and ease governance across the country, it said these should be done without undermining the powers of the Federal Government to maintain our uncompromising unity, provide a conducive environment nationwide for development and manage external affairs.

The statement also called on the executive at federal and state levels to work with both the National and State Assemblies to strengthen the system of local government prescribed in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), but without comprising the proper placement of councils in the federation.

It suggested that constitutional amendment should not become so routine an exercise as to impair the stability required for our political and socio-economic development.

The caucus also urged the leadership of PDP at all levels to rally round Mr. President, as national leader of the party, saying that the legitimate exercise of ‘separation of powers’ must not become tantamount to, or metamorphose into, ‘separation of interests’ with the attendant negative repercussions.

On the one single term of six years as a means of lessening the tension often generated by second-term bids, the caucus said there is nothing wrong with the current tenure of a maximum of two terms of four years each.

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S’South, S’East govs meet, chart path to regions’ growth

GOVERNORS-13-5-13ASABA, the Delta State capital, Sunday hosted a meeting of the South-South governors and their Southeast counterparts, with the chief executives of the states deliberating on the way forward for the region and the country in general.

The first meeting was to review the state of the nation and the topical issues confronting the nation’s “maturing democracy.”

Meanwhile, rising after a meeting to discuss the state of the nation among other vital issues, the South-South Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has canvassed support of Nigerians for the President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration while also making case for wide-ranging constitutional amendment.

At the meeting were host Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan; Senator Liyel Imoke (Cross River); Mr. Peter Obi (Anambra); Chief Theodore Orji (Abia); Chief Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Mr. Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa); Chief Martin Elechi (Ebonyi); Mr. Sullivan Chime (Enugu); and Chief Rochas Okorocha (Imo).

But absent at the closed door parley at the Government House were Governors Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and his Rivers State counterpart, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi. While Amaechi was represented by his deputy, Chief Tele Ikuru, Oshiomhole’s absence was not made public. But reports indicated that the governor went to Auchi to receive a chieftaincy title.

However, both governors, one belonging to the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the other on the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reportedly stayed away from the meeting owing to the perceived political tone of the conclave.

Sources hinted that the meeting, including the second one slated for yesterday’s evening, was convened to discuss issues surrounding the 2015 general elections, particularly President Goodluck Jonathan alleged bid.

Which, perhaps, explains the absence of Amaechi (and for that matter, Oshiomhole), who is reportedly estranged with the president politically. Amaechi’s presence would have given credence to the praises the gathering heaped on President Jonathan in the statement the governors read to reporters at the end of their meeting.

In the very first paragraph of the three-page statement  co-read by Governors Liyel Imoke and Peter Obi, respectively, the governors commended the president “for his focused leadership and bold, result-yielding transformation agenda, which deserves the unwavering support of all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria alike, as the laudable achievements of the administration in strengthening our democracy, stabilising the polity, growing the economy and improving the quality of life of all citizens continue to unfold.”

Specifically on economic and political cooperation between the regions, the governors said: “The South-South and Southeast governors agree on economic and political integration of the old Eastern and Midwest regions now the South-South and Southeast. The governors pledged to strengthen co-operation across the board with particular focus on development of infrastructure linking the regions.

“The governors also called on the Federal Government to rehabilitate all rail lines linking the states in the region as well as embark on the construction of railway links between all the states.

“The governors also pleaded to work together to ensure the development of all the ports in the regions including the Abia Dry Port and called on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to facilitate the development of this objective.”

In addition, they said: “The governors commend Jonathan for the extensive on-going rehabilitation/modernisation of the airports across the country particularly those in our regions.

“The governors also called on the president to establish cargo airports including Owerri and additional deep sea ports in the regions including Ibaka, Escravos, Agge and also call for the dredging of the Calabar port.

“The governors agreed  to revive agro-allied industries particularly in palm and rubber plantations to exploit the comparative advantage in agriculture in the area.

“The governors of the South-South and the Southeast states called on the Federal Government to facilitate the full implementation of the Free Zones status amongst the states of the regions.”

On the security situation in the country, the governors pleaded with all Nigerians “to adopt dialogue and peaceful means to resolve issues reflecting our country.”

The governors also agreed to work together and ensure regional co-operation in stemming the spate of kidnapping, arson, pipeline vandalism as well as other nefarious activities in the regions to secure the regions and ensure that they remain a conducive environment for attracting investments.

They expressed concerns at the “condemnable” behaviour and antics of some Nigerians and their evil collaborators in assaulting the collective psyche of the nation by waging various acts of terrorism.

In a statement issued yesterday, the caucus noted that Jonathan’s administration deserved the unwavering support of all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria alike, as the laudable achievements of the administration in strengthening our democracy, stabilising the polity, growing the economy and improving the quality of lives of all citizens continue to unfold.

The caucus commended the initiative and commitment of the administration on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and urged the National Assembly (NASS) and all stakeholders to support the bill.

It noted that the bill, when passed into law, “is certain to launch Nigeria into the next level of sustainable development of our hydrocarbon resources in a manner that takes into account the needs of the present generation of Nigerians without mortgaging the future.”

It also calls for the review of the Revenue Allocation Formula, saying: “The current formula has long ceased to reflect the changing realities and, therefore, called for its urgent, reasonable and pragmatic review to achieve vertical and horizontal equity among the tiers of government and better enable the federating units to drive development across the country as was the case up to the 1963 Republican Constitution.”

On disproportionate assignment of constitutional responsibilities and fiscal powers, the caucus called for drastic and further devolution of functions and fiscal powers from the centre to the federating units, towards the direction of the 1963 Republican Constitution.

Insisting on the need to make states the effective engines of growth and development and decentralise, localise and ease governance across the country, it said these should be done without undermining the powers of the Federal Government to maintain our uncompromising unity, provide a conducive environment nationwide for development and manage external affairs.

The statement also called on the executive at federal and state levels to work with both the National and State Assemblies to strengthen the system of local government prescribed in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), but without comprising the proper placement of councils in the federation.

It suggested that constitutional amendment should not become so routine an exercise as to impair the stability required for our political and socio-economic development.

The caucus also urged the leadership of PDP at all levels to rally round Mr. President, as national leader of the party, saying that the legitimate exercise of ‘separation of powers’ must not become tantamount to, or metamorphose into, ‘separation of interests’ with the attendant negative repercussions.

On the one single term of six years as a means of lessening the tension often generated by second-term bids, the caucus said there is nothing wrong with the current tenure of a maximum of two terms of four years each.

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S’South, S’East govs meet, chart path to regions’ growth

GOVERNORS-13-5-13ASABA, the Delta State capital, Sunday hosted a meeting of the South-South governors and their Southeast counterparts, with the chief executives of the states deliberating on the way forward for the region and the country in general.

The first meeting was to review the state of the nation and the topical issues confronting the nation’s “maturing democracy.”

Meanwhile, rising after a meeting to discuss the state of the nation among other vital issues, the South-South Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has canvassed support of Nigerians for the President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration while also making case for wide-ranging constitutional amendment.

At the meeting were host Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan; Senator Liyel Imoke (Cross River); Mr. Peter Obi (Anambra); Chief Theodore Orji (Abia); Chief Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Mr. Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa); Chief Martin Elechi (Ebonyi); Mr. Sullivan Chime (Enugu); and Chief Rochas Okorocha (Imo).

But absent at the closed door parley at the Government House were Governors Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and his Rivers State counterpart, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi. While Amaechi was represented by his deputy, Chief Tele Ikuru, Oshiomhole’s absence was not made public. But reports indicated that the governor went to Auchi to receive a chieftaincy title.

However, both governors, one belonging to the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the other on the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reportedly stayed away from the meeting owing to the perceived political tone of the conclave.

Sources hinted that the meeting, including the second one slated for yesterday’s evening, was convened to discuss issues surrounding the 2015 general elections, particularly President Goodluck Jonathan alleged bid.

Which, perhaps, explains the absence of Amaechi (and for that matter, Oshiomhole), who is reportedly estranged with the president politically. Amaechi’s presence would have given credence to the praises the gathering heaped on President Jonathan in the statement the governors read to reporters at the end of their meeting.

In the very first paragraph of the three-page statement  co-read by Governors Liyel Imoke and Peter Obi, respectively, the governors commended the president “for his focused leadership and bold, result-yielding transformation agenda, which deserves the unwavering support of all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria alike, as the laudable achievements of the administration in strengthening our democracy, stabilising the polity, growing the economy and improving the quality of life of all citizens continue to unfold.”

Specifically on economic and political cooperation between the regions, the governors said: “The South-South and Southeast governors agree on economic and political integration of the old Eastern and Midwest regions now the South-South and Southeast. The governors pledged to strengthen co-operation across the board with particular focus on development of infrastructure linking the regions.

“The governors also called on the Federal Government to rehabilitate all rail lines linking the states in the region as well as embark on the construction of railway links between all the states.

“The governors also pleaded to work together to ensure the development of all the ports in the regions including the Abia Dry Port and called on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to facilitate the development of this objective.”

In addition, they said: “The governors commend Jonathan for the extensive on-going rehabilitation/modernisation of the airports across the country particularly those in our regions.

“The governors also called on the president to establish cargo airports including Owerri and additional deep sea ports in the regions including Ibaka, Escravos, Agge and also call for the dredging of the Calabar port.

“The governors agreed  to revive agro-allied industries particularly in palm and rubber plantations to exploit the comparative advantage in agriculture in the area.

“The governors of the South-South and the Southeast states called on the Federal Government to facilitate the full implementation of the Free Zones status amongst the states of the regions.”

On the security situation in the country, the governors pleaded with all Nigerians “to adopt dialogue and peaceful means to resolve issues reflecting our country.”

The governors also agreed to work together and ensure regional co-operation in stemming the spate of kidnapping, arson, pipeline vandalism as well as other nefarious activities in the regions to secure the regions and ensure that they remain a conducive environment for attracting investments.

They expressed concerns at the “condemnable” behaviour and antics of some Nigerians and their evil collaborators in assaulting the collective psyche of the nation by waging various acts of terrorism.

In a statement issued yesterday, the caucus noted that Jonathan’s administration deserved the unwavering support of all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria alike, as the laudable achievements of the administration in strengthening our democracy, stabilising the polity, growing the economy and improving the quality of lives of all citizens continue to unfold.

The caucus commended the initiative and commitment of the administration on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and urged the National Assembly (NASS) and all stakeholders to support the bill.

It noted that the bill, when passed into law, “is certain to launch Nigeria into the next level of sustainable development of our hydrocarbon resources in a manner that takes into account the needs of the present generation of Nigerians without mortgaging the future.”

It also calls for the review of the Revenue Allocation Formula, saying: “The current formula has long ceased to reflect the changing realities and, therefore, called for its urgent, reasonable and pragmatic review to achieve vertical and horizontal equity among the tiers of government and better enable the federating units to drive development across the country as was the case up to the 1963 Republican Constitution.”

On disproportionate assignment of constitutional responsibilities and fiscal powers, the caucus called for drastic and further devolution of functions and fiscal powers from the centre to the federating units, towards the direction of the 1963 Republican Constitution.

Insisting on the need to make states the effective engines of growth and development and decentralise, localise and ease governance across the country, it said these should be done without undermining the powers of the Federal Government to maintain our uncompromising unity, provide a conducive environment nationwide for development and manage external affairs.

The statement also called on the executive at federal and state levels to work with both the National and State Assemblies to strengthen the system of local government prescribed in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), but without comprising the proper placement of councils in the federation.

It suggested that constitutional amendment should not become so routine an exercise as to impair the stability required for our political and socio-economic development.

The caucus also urged the leadership of PDP at all levels to rally round Mr. President, as national leader of the party, saying that the legitimate exercise of ‘separation of powers’ must not become tantamount to, or metamorphose into, ‘separation of interests’ with the attendant negative repercussions.

On the one single term of six years as a means of lessening the tension often generated by second-term bids, the caucus said there is nothing wrong with the current tenure of a maximum of two terms of four years each.

Get more trends like this

Subscribe to our mailing list and get latest Nigeria trends in your inbox.

S’South, S’East govs meet, chart path to regions’ growth

GOVERNORS-13-5-13ASABA, the Delta State capital, Sunday hosted a meeting of the South-South governors and their Southeast counterparts, with the chief executives of the states deliberating on the way forward for the region and the country in general.

The first meeting was to review the state of the nation and the topical issues confronting the nation’s “maturing democracy.”

Meanwhile, rising after a meeting to discuss the state of the nation among other vital issues, the South-South Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has canvassed support of Nigerians for the President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration while also making case for wide-ranging constitutional amendment.

At the meeting were host Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan; Senator Liyel Imoke (Cross River); Mr. Peter Obi (Anambra); Chief Theodore Orji (Abia); Chief Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Mr. Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa); Chief Martin Elechi (Ebonyi); Mr. Sullivan Chime (Enugu); and Chief Rochas Okorocha (Imo).

But absent at the closed door parley at the Government House were Governors Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and his Rivers State counterpart, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi. While Amaechi was represented by his deputy, Chief Tele Ikuru, Oshiomhole’s absence was not made public. But reports indicated that the governor went to Auchi to receive a chieftaincy title.

However, both governors, one belonging to the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the other on the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reportedly stayed away from the meeting owing to the perceived political tone of the conclave.

Sources hinted that the meeting, including the second one slated for yesterday’s evening, was convened to discuss issues surrounding the 2015 general elections, particularly President Goodluck Jonathan alleged bid.

Which, perhaps, explains the absence of Amaechi (and for that matter, Oshiomhole), who is reportedly estranged with the president politically. Amaechi’s presence would have given credence to the praises the gathering heaped on President Jonathan in the statement the governors read to reporters at the end of their meeting.

In the very first paragraph of the three-page statement  co-read by Governors Liyel Imoke and Peter Obi, respectively, the governors commended the president “for his focused leadership and bold, result-yielding transformation agenda, which deserves the unwavering support of all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria alike, as the laudable achievements of the administration in strengthening our democracy, stabilising the polity, growing the economy and improving the quality of life of all citizens continue to unfold.”

Specifically on economic and political cooperation between the regions, the governors said: “The South-South and Southeast governors agree on economic and political integration of the old Eastern and Midwest regions now the South-South and Southeast. The governors pledged to strengthen co-operation across the board with particular focus on development of infrastructure linking the regions.

“The governors also called on the Federal Government to rehabilitate all rail lines linking the states in the region as well as embark on the construction of railway links between all the states.

“The governors also pleaded to work together to ensure the development of all the ports in the regions including the Abia Dry Port and called on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to facilitate the development of this objective.”

In addition, they said: “The governors commend Jonathan for the extensive on-going rehabilitation/modernisation of the airports across the country particularly those in our regions.

“The governors also called on the president to establish cargo airports including Owerri and additional deep sea ports in the regions including Ibaka, Escravos, Agge and also call for the dredging of the Calabar port.

“The governors agreed  to revive agro-allied industries particularly in palm and rubber plantations to exploit the comparative advantage in agriculture in the area.

“The governors of the South-South and the Southeast states called on the Federal Government to facilitate the full implementation of the Free Zones status amongst the states of the regions.”

On the security situation in the country, the governors pleaded with all Nigerians “to adopt dialogue and peaceful means to resolve issues reflecting our country.”

The governors also agreed to work together and ensure regional co-operation in stemming the spate of kidnapping, arson, pipeline vandalism as well as other nefarious activities in the regions to secure the regions and ensure that they remain a conducive environment for attracting investments.

They expressed concerns at the “condemnable” behaviour and antics of some Nigerians and their evil collaborators in assaulting the collective psyche of the nation by waging various acts of terrorism.

In a statement issued yesterday, the caucus noted that Jonathan’s administration deserved the unwavering support of all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria alike, as the laudable achievements of the administration in strengthening our democracy, stabilising the polity, growing the economy and improving the quality of lives of all citizens continue to unfold.

The caucus commended the initiative and commitment of the administration on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and urged the National Assembly (NASS) and all stakeholders to support the bill.

It noted that the bill, when passed into law, “is certain to launch Nigeria into the next level of sustainable development of our hydrocarbon resources in a manner that takes into account the needs of the present generation of Nigerians without mortgaging the future.”

It also calls for the review of the Revenue Allocation Formula, saying: “The current formula has long ceased to reflect the changing realities and, therefore, called for its urgent, reasonable and pragmatic review to achieve vertical and horizontal equity among the tiers of government and better enable the federating units to drive development across the country as was the case up to the 1963 Republican Constitution.”

On disproportionate assignment of constitutional responsibilities and fiscal powers, the caucus called for drastic and further devolution of functions and fiscal powers from the centre to the federating units, towards the direction of the 1963 Republican Constitution.

Insisting on the need to make states the effective engines of growth and development and decentralise, localise and ease governance across the country, it said these should be done without undermining the powers of the Federal Government to maintain our uncompromising unity, provide a conducive environment nationwide for development and manage external affairs.

The statement also called on the executive at federal and state levels to work with both the National and State Assemblies to strengthen the system of local government prescribed in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), but without comprising the proper placement of councils in the federation.

It suggested that constitutional amendment should not become so routine an exercise as to impair the stability required for our political and socio-economic development.

The caucus also urged the leadership of PDP at all levels to rally round Mr. President, as national leader of the party, saying that the legitimate exercise of ‘separation of powers’ must not become tantamount to, or metamorphose into, ‘separation of interests’ with the attendant negative repercussions.

On the one single term of six years as a means of lessening the tension often generated by second-term bids, the caucus said there is nothing wrong with the current tenure of a maximum of two terms of four years each.

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in your inbox

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