South-South Governors To Float Regional Security Outfit

South-South states Governors have announced a plan to launch their own regional security outfit that will protect the region.

During a meeting in Asaba on Thursday, Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa said the move is essential to address the security challenges facing oil-rich states.

This happens days after the Houses of Assembly in the southwest passed the law for Operation Amotekun.

Okowa also added that himself and his colleague in the other region deliberated on the resuscitation of the Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Cross-Rivers, Edo and Delta (BRACED).

The Commission, according to the governors, will harmonize policies that would boost cooperation and economic integration and put member states on a path to rapid growth and economic development.

Likewise, the governors asked the Federal Government to deduct the 13% derivation from the source before allocation to the states.

“And we need to emphasize that, in any allocation that is being made, the 13% derivation must first be withdrawn from the funds from oil revenue before the rest is distributed,” said Okowa.

In the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), governors called a meeting of health commissioners in the region to map preventive measures.