The South-South Governors’ forum has unanimously agreed to establish a regional security outfit that will tackle issues of insecurity in the geo-political zone and also backed the collection of VAT by states.
Speaking with journalists in Port Harcourt after the meeting, the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Delta State highlighted some of the issues discussed.
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Ifeanyi Okowa said, “After an extensive deliberation, the Council resolved that bearing in mind that most of the states have established their security organs, we approved the regional security architecture which will be launched soon.”
According to the communique, the South-South governors also resolved; “To equivocally support the decision of states to collect the Value Added Tax by states, we resolved to join the suit at the Supreme Court.
“The Council urged the President and the National Assembly to take necessary measures to revisit some unfair aspects of the recently signed Petroleum Industry Bill now Act, to ensure fairness and equity.”
“We urge that the amendment should include a clear definition of host communities and that the trustees should be appointed by the state government.
“The Council called on the President and the federal government to uphold the law establishing the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by appropriately constituting its board.