Read the Communiqué Issued At The Southern Leaders’ Summit

1. That Mr President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, be commended for his commitment and dogged efforts in fighting the menance of insecurity; and, noted that, in spite of these security challenges, Mr. President has made remarkable progress in the development of critical sectors of the Nigerian economy, particularly in the areas of power, transport, aviation, agriculture and direct foreign investment.

2. That we commend the courage and wisdom of Mr. President, for convening the forthcoming National Conference; and, in this regard, the leaders and people of Southern Nigeria reiterate our unalloyed support for Mr. President.

3. That we recognise that every zone of this country has over the years made very significant contributions to the development of Nigeria.

4. That we commit ourselves to a united and indivisible Nigeria based on the principle of justice, equity and rule of law, with ample respect and understanding for cultural, religious and linguistic differences.

5.That we support the re-establishment of a truly federal Nigeria with the following key elements; devolution of power to federating units, and co-ordinate and equal powers between the central government and the federating units.

6. That we propose the designing of one legislative list to be known as federal powers in the constitution and whatever is not contained in the federal powers is to become the legislative powers of the federating units.

7. That in line with the principle of democratic governance, decisions at the forthcoming National Conference should be by simple majority.

8.That we endorse an increase in revenue allocation to the federating units in a way that takes cognizance of the new responsibilities and residual powers of the federating units.

9. That we recommend the removal of solid minerals from the exclusive legislative list.

10. That we commend the National Assembly on efforts to pass the Petroleum industry Bill and pray that the Bill be passed before the end of the first quarter of 2014.

11. That we recommend the design of roles for traditional rulers by respective federating units.

12. That the federal Government must re-visit the issue of the loss of territory particularly as it relates to the loss of the Bakassi Peninsular.

Signed;

Chief Olu Falae
Chief Tony Anenih
Gov Liyel Imoke
Gov Peter Obi
Gov Olusegun Mimiko
Gov Martins Elechi
Gov Emmanuel Uduaghan
Gov Godswill Akpabio
Mr Rasaq Oladosu.