Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The newly formed Southeast Forum of Former Governors has held its maiden meeting, pledging support for serving governors in the region while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as an ongoing infrastructure revolution across the South-East.
In a communiqué read by the Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State governor, David Umahi, at the end of their maiden meeting in Enugu, the group said it would serve as an advisory and support body to incumbent governors in the zone.
According to Umahi, the forum, comprising former governors from across party lines, aims to provide guidance on key regional and national issues.
He noted that although several members were absent due to medical trips and prior engagements, the body expects over 90 per cent attendance at its next meeting scheduled within the coming weeks.
“The forum is formed to support our presiding governors of the Southeast and advise them on critical matters affecting the zone and the nation,” Umahi stated.
The group praised the current governors of the South-East for their commitment to infrastructural development, security, and empowerment initiatives, noting that their efforts have positively impacted the region.
In a strong show of political alignment, the forum also declared its backing for President Tinubu’s re-election bid, describing the position as a “strategic approach” in the interest of the South-East.
The communiqué further expressed gratitude to the president for key federal appointments given to individuals from the region, as well as for ongoing federal support to state governments nationwide.
“We commend Mr President highly for the infrastructural revolution in the Southeast, just as is being witnessed in other parts of the country,” Umahi said.
He added that federal assistance has significantly contributed to the achievements recorded by governors in the zone.
As part of its immediate plans, the forum announced it would pay a courtesy visit to the Governor of Enugu State and engage with the South-East Governors’ Forum to strengthen collaboration and outline areas of support.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of unity among former and serving leaders in the region, emphasising that the newly established body is not in competition with current officeholders but is designed to complement their efforts.
