Southern Governors, Monarchs Back Tinubu, Roll Out Major Security Reforms

The Southern Governors’ Forum and the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council on Wednesday held a joint strategic meeting in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, where they reaffirmed their commitment to Nigeria’s unity, regional cooperation, and strengthened national security.

The meeting, hosted at the Governor’s Residence in Iperu, brought together governors from the South-West, South-East, and South-South, as well as first-class traditional rulers across the three geopolitical zones. Discussions focused on security, governance, development partnerships, and institutional collaboration.

In a strong message to the nation, the Forum extended condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the recent killing of military personnel in Borno State and the mass abductions in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger States. The leaders praised the rescue operations that followed, describing them as reassuring proof that national security remains a top presidential priority.

The Forum also commended the President for what it described as bold and visionary leadership in stabilising the economy. Members cited improvements in foreign exchange rates, seven consecutive months of declining inflation, and the gradual easing of food prices. They further applauded major federal infrastructure projects, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road and the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway.

On security reforms, the governors and traditional rulers welcomed the Federal Government’s ongoing rehabilitation of police and NSCDC training colleges, as well as the launch of the Renewed Hope Ward Initiative, expected to benefit more than five million people across Southern Nigeria.

A key highlight of the meeting was the joint session with the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, which emphasised the indispensable role of traditional institutions in intelligence gathering, cultural integration, and local security coordination. The Forum urged all Southern states to formally include traditional rulers in their state security councils.

Security chiefs from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, DSS, and NSCDC delivered extensive briefings on the state of security in the region. They highlighted manpower shortages, equipment gaps, intelligence challenges, and the need for stronger federal–state cooperation.

Following the deliberations, the Forum announced several major resolutions, including the creation of a zonal security fund to strengthen regional operations, and the institutionalisation of monthly security coordination meetings among state security advisers. The leaders also adopted an enhanced intelligence-sharing framework supported by modern communication tools and real-time surveillance systems.

The meeting renewed the South’s long-standing demand for the establishment of state police, describing it as a constitutional necessity for addressing insecurity at the grassroots. Member states also agreed to develop a unified resident identification system in collaboration with NIMC.

In addition, the Forum resolved to strengthen regional and community-based security outfits, including hunters’ groups and neighbourhood surveillance units, through improved logistics and equipment support. It also pledged tougher action against illegal mining and indiscriminate land practices, working in partnership with traditional rulers and environmental agencies.

The governors encouraged states to provide direct financial and operational support to traditional councils to enhance their roles in peacebuilding and local governance.

In a unanimous decision, the Forum and the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council passed a Vote of Confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and commitment to national stability. They recalled the historic Asaba Accord of 2021, where Southern leaders jointly demanded a President of Southern extraction, and restated their full support for President Tinubu.

The Forum condemned efforts to sow division and spread disinformation within the region, insisting that Southern Nigeria remains united and committed to peaceful coexistence across cultural and religious lines.

The meeting concluded with a pledge to continue speaking with one voice, protecting the collective interests of the South, and working closely with the Federal Government to promote peace, development, and prosperity for all Nigerians.