Story from Kenneth AFOR, Lagos

The Southern Governors’ Forum has unanimously decided to enact the anti-open grazing law in all Member States in September after reviewing the security situation in the country.

The decision was reached on Monday in a communique after their meeting at the Government House, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State capital.

While the need for state police among member states is germane towards the safety of lives of properties in the region, the Forum reemphasised the importance of having the presence of a security arm in all members states.

The Forum stated that any security operations that will be undertaken in their respective states by any security agencies governor of such state must be aware.

It, therefore, commends security operatives for their bravery in combating criminals and commiserates with families and loved ones of those who have fallen in the line of duty.

The communique partly reads, “The Forum reviewed the security situation in the country and commends security operatives for their relentless efforts in restoring security and safety and commiserates with families and loved ones of those who have fallen in the line of duty.

“The Forum Resolved that if for any reason security institutions need to undertake an operation in any State, the Chief Security Officer of the State must be duly informed.

“It frowns at selective criminal administration of Justice and resolved that arrests should be made within the ambit of the Law and fundamental human rights.

“Sets a timeline of Wednesday, 1st September 2021 for the promulgation of the anti-open grazing law in all Member States and resolved that Funds deducted from the Federation Account for the Nigeria Police Security Trust Fund should be distributed among the States and Federal Government to combat security challenges.”