Leaders of Southern Nigeria have commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the remarkable progress made in the development of critical sectors of the country’s economy, particularly in the areas of power, transport, aviation, agriculture, as well as direct foreign investment.
Rising from a Southern leaders’ summit in Calabar, Cross River State, comprising eminent Nigerians including former Vice President Alex Ekweme, Pa Olaniwu Ajayi, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu, Chief Emmanuel Inwuanyanwu, Dr. Edmond Daukuro, the Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom, they affirmed their support for the
Jonathan administration.
The summit applauded him for the forthcoming national conference and also demanded the quick passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill currently before the National Assembly.
Participants called on the Federal Government “to revisit the issue of the loss of territory, particularly as it relates to the loss of the Bakassi Peninnsula.”
They also recommended the excision of solid minerals from the Exclusive Legislative List, just as they asked for an increase in the percentage of revenue derivation from oil and gas.”
In a communiqué read by the chairman of the event, Chief Olu Falae, the group commended President Jonathan for what it noted as his commitment and dogged efforts in combating the menace of insecurity in the country.
The summit which considered issues such as the indissolubility of Nigeria, the practice of true federalism, the current security challenges, the economy, as well as the forthcoming national conference, had delegates from the South-West, South-East and South-South, drawn from the traditional institution, the academia, public sector, politics, the judiciary, labour and religious bodies.
It said: “At the end of deliberations, we the leaders and people of Southern Nigeria, resolved as follows: That Mr. President be commended for his commitment and dogged effort in fighting the menace of insecurity and noted that in spite of these security challenges, Mr. President has made remarkable progress in the development of critical sectors of the Nigerian economy, particularly in the areas of power, transport, aviation, agriculture and direct foreign investment.
“We commit ourselves to a united and indivisible Nigeria based on the principles of justice, equity and rule of law with ample respect and understanding for cultural, linguistic and religious differences. That we endorse an increase in revenue allocation to the federating units in a way that takes cognizance of the new responsibilities and residual powers of the federating units; that in line with the principle democratic governance, decisions at the forthcoming National Conference should be by simple majority.”
