Former governors of the five Southeast states have floated a platform to mobilize experienced leaders in the region to rally support for serving governors towards the growth and development of the region.
The forum, known as the South East Former Governors Forum, was launched in Enugu on Tuesday.
Among those in attendance during the forum’s maiden meeting were former governors of Enugu State, Senator Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Sullivan Chime, former governors of Ebonyi State, Martin Elechi and David Umahi, former governor Chris Ngige of Anambra, and former governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State.
Addressing former governors, former governor Umahi, who is the Minister of Works, explained that the purpose of the forum was to create the platform to collaborate with the serving governors.
According to him, the body is to support the present governors of the South East and advise them on key zonal and national matters.
He explained that the membership of the forum shall comprise all former governors, irrespective of party affiliation.
He added that the forum will engage with current governors to strengthen cooperation across the region.
“Many of the former governors, some are outside the country for medical checkup and some engagement, but in our next meeting, we are sure that over 90 percent of the former governors of the South East will be in attendance,” he said.
Umahi expressed appreciation to the current governors in the region for the great works they are doing for the benefit of the people of the region.
The forum also praised President Bola Tinubu for ongoing developmental projects across the country, especially in the area of infrastructure.
“We commend Mr. President very highly for all the appointments, some of them very key, that were given to sons and daughters of South East, and for the infrastructural revolution in South East, just like what he’s doing in other regions of the country.
“We also thank Mr. President for the assistance to the governors of the South East. We are grateful to Mr. President.
“We boldly say that all the governors of the South East are supporting Mr. President’s reelection, and we will continue to give them support.”
Looking ahead, Umahi expressed optimism that more former governors will join the support for Mr. President in the coming weeks:
The forum later paid a courtesy call to the governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah.
