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Why Buhari must consider Southern Governors’ demands for national dialogue, others: Akeredolu

*As regards this dialogue, it is a matter of serious concern to us. It is not a parlour gossip. It is a matter that came from serious, in-depth discussion of governors ─ Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Against the backdrop of the need to urgently address some burning socio-economic and security issues affecting the country in recent times, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has said President Muhammadu Buhari must consider the Southern Governors’ demands for a national dialogue, establishment of state police, and ban on open grazing.

ConsumerConnect reports the governors of 17 Southern States in Nigeria converged on Asaba, Delta State capital, recently and made some resolutions and demands from the Federal Government for immediate action.

The state governors have demanded a ban on open grazing in the South, while urging President Buhari to convene a national dialogue summit, among other measures.

President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR

Governor Akeredolu, in an interview on Arise TV, monitored in Lagos, justified the demands of the governors.

He said some of their counterparts in the North are in support of their position.

According to him, it is highly unlikely that the Presidency will ignore the governors because of their numbers.

Akeredolu said: “Getting a presidential buy-in might be some cause for concern, but 17 governors from the South.

“I believe that whatever we have said should be given some weight; it must be something that has to be considered.”

The Ondo State Governor also posited: “That means the Presidency will look at it and consider it. The number is large. It is more or less like half of us.

“I know that if we had called our brothers in the Middle Belt, they would have signed up to this.

“I even know that there are some of our brothers even in the North that would have signed up to this communiqué, who also believe that the time has come for us to have dialogue.”

He noted: “I know Mr. President. It has to be considered. It must be considered. Because the number of governors involved are not one you can just push aside.

“When you talk about this dialogue, it is a matter of serious concern to us. It is not a parlour gossip. It is a matter that came from serious, in-depth discussion of governors.”

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