Forum of ex-Southeast governors rally support for Tinubu
By Damian Duruiheoma, Enugu & Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakiliki A new political bloc comprising former governors has been inaugurated in the Southeast. The body-Southeast Forum of Former Governors was formed with
By Damian Duruiheoma, Enugu & Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakiliki
A new political bloc comprising former governors has been inaugurated in the Southeast.
The body-Southeast Forum of Former Governors was formed with the aim of influencing governance and shaping regional development.
The forum was unveiled yesterday in Enugu with a communiquê read by the Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State governor, Senator Dave Umahi.
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Umahi said the forum was established to provide strategic support and advisory services to serving governors in the zone on “key zonal and national matters,” regardless of political party affiliations.
“The forum shall be for all former governors, irrespective of party affiliation, so far they have been governor in the Southeast,” he stated.
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He explained that the initiative was conceived after deliberations among members, noting that although attendance at the inaugural meeting was not exhaustive due to medical trips and other engagements, the forum expects over 90 per cent participation at its next meeting scheduled within two weeks.
Among those absent, Umahi mentioned former governors with prior engagements, including Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Senator Theodore Orji of Abia State; Chief Ikedi Ohakim l, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and Chief Achike Udenwa of Imo State; Chimaroke Nnamani, among others.
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The forum hailed the performance of incumbent Southeast governors, particularly in infrastructure development, empowerment programmes, and security interventions, describing their efforts as impactful on the lives of the people.
In a significant political declaration, the former governors collectively endorsed the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu . They described the move as strategic.’
“We boldly say that all the governors of Southeast are supporting Mr. President’s re-election,” Umahi said, adding that the forum would align with this position and offer its full backing.
The communiquê also praised Tinubu for what it described as ‘key appointments’ given to sons and daughters of the Southeast, as well as ongoing infrastructure development across the region.
The forum acknowledged federal support to state governments nationwide, which it said has contributed to achievements recorded by governors.
As part of its next steps, the forum spoke of plans to pay a courtesy visit to the Governor of Enugu State and subsequently engage the leadership of the Southeast Governors’ Forum to present its objectives and explore areas of collaboration.
Umahi emphasised that the group’s overarching goal is to ‘synergise’ with current leaders and help communicate government achievements to the people, while also offering guidance based on their experience in office.
Chief Martin Elechi (Ebonyi) and Senator Dave Umahi (Ebonyi) ; Mr. Sullivan Chime (Enugu) and Ambassador-designate to Greece, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Ambassador-designate to Spain, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Dr. Chris Ngige (Anambra) attended the meeting.
