Southern Leaders Pass Vote of Confidence on President Goodluck Jonathan Southern Leaders Pass Vote of Confidence on President Goodluck Jonathan
  From: DianaOkon-Effiong,Calabar Leaders from the southern part of Nigeria under the umbrella “Southern Leaders’ Summit’’ rose from a meeting in Calabar and passed... Southern Leaders Pass Vote of Confidence on President Goodluck Jonathan

 

L-R, Mimiko, Imoke, Falae, Anenih, Ihedioha at the Southern Nigeria Forum in Calabar.

L-R, Mimiko, Imoke, Falae, Anenih, Ihedioha at the Southern Nigeria Forum in Calabar.

From: DianaOkon-Effiong,Calabar

Leaders from the southern part of Nigeria under the umbrella “Southern Leaders’ Summit’’ rose from a meeting in Calabar and passed a vote of confidence on President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

The group, which stated this in a communiqué at the end of the summit with the theme: “The Centenary and Imperative for National Conference also affirmed its unflinching support for the Jonathan administration. The Summit also applauded President Jonathan for the forthcoming National Conference.

The group, comprising eminent Nigerians including former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekweme, Pa Olaniwu Ajayi, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu, also sought for devolution of powers.

The leaders which included Chief Emmanuel Inwuanyanwu and Dr Edmond Daukuro, the Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom, also called for a revisit of the ceding of Bakassi Peninsula to the Republic of Cameroon.

The three-page communiqué read by the Chairman, Chief Olu Falae, at the end of its one-day summit held at the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, Calabar, Cross River.

It commended President Jonathan for what it noted as his commitment and dogged efforts in combating the menace of insecurity in the country.

The Southern leaders noted that in spite of the security challenges, the President had made remarkable progress in the development of critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.

They stated that president Jonathan had made remarkable progress particularly in the areas of power, transport, aviation, agriculture, as well as direct foreign investment.

The Summit 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.

Its delegates were drawn from the South West, South East and South South, the traditional institution, the academia, public sector, politics, the judiciary, labour and religious bodies in the areas.

According to the communiqué, “At the end of deliberations, we the leaders and people of Southern Nigeria resolved as follows that Mr. President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR), be commended for his commitment and dogged effort in fighting the menace of insecurity.

“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.

The summit further noted: “That 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.

The summit stated that the Federal Government “must revisit the issue of the loss of territory, particularly as it relates to the loss of the Bakassi Peninnsula’’.

It also recommended the excision of solid minerals from the Exclusive Legislative List, just as it asked for an increase in the percentage of revenue derivation from oil and gas.

Similarly, the summit demanded for the quick passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill currently before the National Assembly.

“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,’’ the communiqué stated.

The communiqué was signed by Chief Olu Falae, Chief Tony Anenih, Governor Liyel Imoke, Governor Peter Obi, Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Governor Martin Elechi, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Governor Godswill Akpabio and Mr. Rasaq Oladesu.

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