07/04/2026
This is a move in the right direction so far the intention as clearly stated by the Honourable Minister is adhered to irrespective of party affiliation, personal interest, or political ambition. The development of the South Eastern region is a collective call and all hands must be on deck to see that the region is secured, infrastructurally, entrepreneurially, and politically sound and developing in the right direction for the benefit of now and the future.
I personally believe that the forum of former Governor's of the South East will play a key role in supporting, directing and encouraging the current Governor's in important areas, especially in uniting the region through their vast experiences, seeing that some of them have gone ahead to serve in several other capacities beyond being Governor's.
I commend the initiator of the vision and forum, especaially as it is coming as the reion have secured the South East Development Commission (SEDC). I believe the forum will play a pivotal role in seeing that thr funds for the SEDC is well utilized within the region. It is also my prayer that it will not be another platform of separation and division in the south east as most of the members have a lot of differences in terms of political ambitions and where their loyalties lie.
Today, we saw about six (6) of the former Governor's of the region, out of a possible 16 supposed members of the forum (Imo - 4, Anambra - 3, Enugu - 3, Abia - 3, and Ebonyi - 3). Its my hope that by the next meeting of the forum as the Minister said, that all members who are healthy should be part of it. May the vision and mission of the forum and its members translate to important developmental strides in the security, education, infrastructure and better healthcare system for the region.