Southern Nigeria Leaders Summit ends in Calabar, agrees on the indivisibility of Nigeria, the practice of federalism, the current security challenges, the economy and the forthcoming National Conference.

Southern Leaders Summit,
Tinapa Resorts, Calabar,
Cross River State,

 

24th February, 2014

 

Preamble

The Southern Leaders Summit was held at the Tinapa Resort, Calabar, Cross River State on 24th February, 2014. Participants at the Conference included Traditional Rulers, Elder Statesmen, Academics, Public Sector Practitioners, Politicians, Legislators, Jurists, Labour Leaders, Religious Leaders and other Professionals. The Summit discussed, among other things, the indivisibility of Nigeria, the practice of federalism, the current security challenges, the economy and the forthcoming National Conference.

At the end of deliberations, we, the leaders and people of Southern Nigeria, resolved as follows:

1. That Mr. President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, be commended for his commitment and dogged efforts 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.

2. That we commend the courage and wisdom of Mr. President, for convening the forthcoming National Conference; and, in this regard, the leaders and people of Southern Nigeria reiterate our unalloyed
support for Mr. President.

3. That we recognize that every zone of this country has over the years made very significant contributions to the development of Nigeria.

4. 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, religious and linguistic differences. Southern Leaders Summit, Tinapa Resorts, Calabar, Cross River State, 24th February, 2014

5. That we support the re-establishment of a truly Federal Nigeria with the following key elements: devolution of powers to federating units, and co-ordinate and equal powers between the central government and the federating units.

6. That we propose the designing of one legislative list to be known as federal powers in the Constitution and whatever is not contained in the federal powers is to become the legislative powers of the federating units.

7. That in line with the principle of democratic governance, decisions at the forthcoming National Conference should be by two-third majority.

8. 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.

9. That we agree to an increment in the percentage of revenue derivation from oil and gas.

10. That we recommend the removal of solid minerals from the exclusive legislative list.

11. That we commend the National Assembly on efforts to pass the Petroleum Industry Bill and pray that the Bill be passed before the end of the first quarter of 2014.

12. That we recommend the design of roles for traditional rulers by respective federating units.

13. That the Federal Government must re-visit the issue of the loss of territory particularly as it relates to the loss of the Bakassi Peninsular.

As we all fully subscribe to the above resolutions and recommendations, today 24th day of February 2014.

Southern Leaders Summit,
Tinapa Resorts, Calabar,
Cross River State,
24th February, 2014

 

Sir Alex Ekwueme
Chief Olu Falae
Chief Tony Anenih
Governor Liyel Imoke
Governor Peter Obi
Governor Olusegun Mimiko
Governor Martin Elechi
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan
Governor Godswill Akpabio
Governor Theodore Orji
Governor Seriake Dickson
Mrs Kema Chikwe
Mr Rasaq Oladosu