Southern Governors and Traditional Rulers have passed a vote of confidence in President Tinubu and unveiled a comprehensive regional security framework, including zoning funds, intelligence sharing, and renewed advocacy for state police
Southern Governors, Traditional Rulers Pass Vote of Confidence in Tinubu, Unveil New Regional Security Blueprint
The Southern Governors Forum (SGF) and the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council on Wednesday passed a resounding vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, praising his leadership, commitment to stability, and ongoing reforms amid rising security challenges across the country.
In a joint communiqué issued at the end of their regional meeting in Ogun State, the forum expressed deep concern over recent attempts to destabilize the region through the spread of fear, disinformation, and divisive narratives. The SGF reassured the public that citizens of Southern Nigeria remain “united, indivisible, and committed to peaceful coexistence across religious and cultural lines.”
The communiqué—which was read by the host governor and Chairman of the SGF, Governor Dapo Abiodun—affirmed the collective determination of Southern leaders to speak with one voice, protect regional interests, and work closely with the Federal Government to ensure peace, prosperity, and progress for all Nigerians.
The meeting was attended by several governors, including Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Alex Otti (Abia), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Charles Soludo (Anambra), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo). Deputy governors stood in for their principals from Osun, Oyo, Cross River, and Edo States.
A distinguished delegation of traditional rulers also graced the session, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade; the Olota of Ota, Oba (Professor) Adeyemi Obalanlege; the Dein of Agbor, Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi; the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi; and the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle.
Security chiefs from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, DSS, and NSCDC also briefed the forum on the current security climate, highlighting equipment gaps, manpower challenges, and the need for improved intelligence coordination between the federal and state levels.
The communiqué reads in part: “In a strong demonstration of unity, the Forum and the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council jointly passed a Vote of Confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in recognition of his leadership and unwavering commitment to national stability and reform.”
The forum also recalled the 2021 Asaba Accord, reaffirming its longstanding commitment to the emergence of a Southern President—now fulfilled in the person of President Tinubu.
Beyond political unity, the SGF and traditional rulers resolved on several strategic security measures:
1. Creation of a Zonal Security Fund
Member states within each geopolitical zone will jointly contribute to a dedicated fund to support security operations, training, and capacity building. Monthly zonal meetings of Security Advisers will also become institutional practice.
2. Enhanced Intelligence and Communication Infrastructure
The forum adopted a modern intelligence-sharing framework powered by advanced communication and surveillance technology. Each member state will invest in equipment enabling seamless inter-state security coordination.
3. Renewed Advocacy for State Policing
Reiterating a long-standing demand, the forum described state police as a constitutional necessity, arguing that the success of community-based groups and regional outfits proves the need for decentralized policing.
4. Unified Resident Identification Programme
States will partner with NIMC to implement a harmonized resident identification system to enhance internal security and data management.
5. Strengthening Regional and Community Security Structures
The forum resolved to provide logistics, equipment, and operational backing to regional outfits, hunter associations, and community surveillance units.
6. Regulating Land Use and Curbing Illegal Mining
States will work closely with traditional rulers to check land misuse and combat illegal mining activities that fuel security risks and environmental harm.
7. Empowerment of Traditional Councils
Member states were urged to provide stronger financial and administrative support to traditional institutions to improve governance, peacebuilding, and community mediation. Read More
