James Ibori Advocates South-South States’ Collaboration for Security and Development

• Former Delta State Governor James Ibori stresses the necessity of cooperation among South-South states to address insecurity and drive development
• Ibori emphasizes collaboration to assess the region’s trajectory, urging confrontation of longstanding issues like land disputes and emerging challenges

Former Delta State Governor James Ibori has reiterated the importance of cooperation among states in the South-South geopolitical zone to tackle insecurity and drive regional development initiatives.

Ibori made this call on Saturday ahead of the 24th anniversary of the South-South Governors, Legislators, and Leaders’ Summit, which he initiated on March 31st, 2000, in Asaba, Delta State.

In a press release by his media aide, Tony Eluemunor, Ibori expressed optimism regarding the progress made since the summit’s inauguration ten months ago, indicating a resolution of past election-related disputes.

“Looking forward, it is imperative to assess the trajectory of the Niger Delta region. We must collaborate to chart a course that benefits all Niger Deltans,” he emphasized.

Ibori urged current governors, national legislators, and the entire region populace to confront longstanding and emerging challenges.

“Among the longstanding issues are land and environmental concerns, as well as the demand for a higher percentage of derivation principle,” he noted.

Highlighting new challenges, Ibori pointed to the menace of herders encroaching upon the bushes across the entire South-South region, perpetrating violence against farmers, women, and kidnapping individuals. At the same time, law enforcement agencies appear ineffective, and fear paralyzes the populace.

“This underscores the urgent need for state and community policing. The South-South must move beyond mere rhetoric regarding establishing state security agencies and unite to establish a regional self-defense team, while exploring avenues to enforce anti-open grazing laws enacted by most state legislatures,” he asserted.

Ibori’s advocacy underscores the importance of synergy among South-South states in addressing security threats and fostering sustainable development initiatives to benefit the region’s inhabitants.