The Governors of the South South States, at the end of their meeting in Benin on the 26th of February, 2010 deliberated on a number of issues of common interest and resolved as follows:

1. Management of the Post Amnesty Programme
The Governors commend the Amnesty Programme initated by President Yar’ Adua. The Amnesty Programme has successfully brought the conflict in the Niger Delta to an end to the benefit of the whole nation. Oil industry operations which is the mainstay of the nation’s economy has been stabilized by the success so far of that programme. Certainly the amnesty programme shall remain a shining legacy of the Yar’ Adua Presidency. The South South Governors are however concerned about the pace of implementation of the post amnesty programme. It is vital that funds be released and properly managed for implementation of the post amnesty programme. The slow pace of the post amnesty programme has led to frustration. It is also important that the post amnesty programme be reviewed and an implementation timeline and benchmarks set to ensure that this laudable programme is sustainably managed to a logical and mutually beneficial conclusion. A clear post training job creation programme need to be fully articulated and implemented to fully integrate these youths into beneficial endeavours in our society.

The Governors of the South South States should be involved in the management of the post amnesty programme to ensure optimal implementation of all aspects of the programme in the region.

The Governors call on the National Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) which promised 10% equity in Incorporated Joints Ventures to oil producing communities. This would certainly integrate the communities into the national development agenda.

2. State of the Nation
The Governors welcome the President back to the country and urge all citizens to join in prayers for the President’s speedy recovery and return to office. The Governors restate their loyalty to the President and commend the Acting President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan for showing leadership at this most difficult and challenging time and urge him to remain steadfast and focused in steering the affairs of state.


The Governors express concern that some individuals and groups are exploiting the situation for the promotion of personal, ethnic and regional interest. The Governors condemn these actions and urge Nigerian elites to avoid inflammatory and divisive statements and actions that potentially endanger the stability of the nation. The National unity of the country outweighs any personal, ethnic or regional interest.

3. 1st Regional Economic Summit Report
The Governors considered and accepted the final report of the Committee on the 1st Regional Economic summit held in Calabar in April, 2009. The Governors commended the Summit Committee headed by Prof. Pat Utomi for a thorough job and thank them for the commitment and dedication to the assignment.

The Governors accepted the recommendation of the Summit committee and set up a full time Secretariat called “BRACED COMMISSION SECRETARIAT” to coordinate the vision and integrated regional development agenda.

The Governors restated their commitments to economic integration of the region and accepted to set up a Business Council to coordinate the activities of the private sector as a vital development organ for the regional economic development.


Senator Liyel Imoke
Governor, Cross River State.

Dr. Godswill Akpabio
Governor, Akwa Ibom State.

Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan
Governor, Delta State.

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole
Governor, Edo State.

Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi
Governor, Rivers State.