The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has called for involvement of states government in mining and geophysical activities in states.
The forum said this in a communiqué at the end of its meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom and read by its Chairman and Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto on Monday.
Tambuwal said the call was necessary not just to curtail harm to the environment but to further diversify the economy and complement oil as a foreign exchange earner for the country.
He also advised the Federal Government to think outside the box and find solutions to challenges facing electricity supply in Nigeria, saying the current system was not delivering power needed for rapid industrialisation.
On insecurity of lives and property in Nigeria, Tambuwal reiterated the need to decentralise operations of security apparatus of state even within the existing legal framework.
He said this was key to ensuring the input of local operators in state and local governments in policing.
Tambuwal said that cooperation and synergy between states and the federal government in security operations was critical to securing Nigeria.
“In any case, though the Nigeria Police Force is on the exclusive list, the states, as a practical matter spend huge sums of money to support security agencies to carry out their duties.
“The need for an appropriate legal framework to involve the states in policing has become even more urgent by the day.
“To this end, we reiterate our call for the National Assembly to expedite action in passing the Electoral Act and Constitution amendments to ensure restructuring and decentralisation of governmental powers and functions,” he said.
He reiterated the forum’s condemnation of attacks on security personnel and their property anywhere in the country, describing it as criminal and egregious act for which perpetrators should be brought to book.
On the suspension of Twitter operation in Nigeria, Tambuwal advised the federal government to review its decision in the national interest.
“The meeting noted that social media regulation can only be done within the existing laws on the subject and should not be used as an attempt to punish or gag Nigerians from enjoying constitutionally guaranteed rights.
“Nigerian youths do not have adequate access to employment and a lot of Nigerians rely on Twitter for their livelihood, businesses and self-employment,” he said.
Tambuwal said the suspension would further worsen Nigeria’s 33 per cent unemployment rate.
He extolled the achievements Gov. Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom, noting that he had brought prudence, innovation and competence in the management of state resources, with major landmark projects and interventions.
Governors at the meeting were those of Abia, Bayelsa, Benue, Delta, Enugu, Rivers, Oyo State, Adamawa, Edo, Bauchi State, Taraba as well as deputy governor of Zamfara.
