S’East, S’South govs realign, brainstorm over worrying issues of Biafra, restructuring

South East and South-South governors on Sunday night engaged in a crucial meeting over disturbing issues of Biafra and restructuring of Nigeria.

At the meeting which held at Nike Lake Hotels in Enugu State, the governors it was learnt, agreed to mend old bonds, unite and take a firm stand on the issues of restructuring and the persistent demand for Biafra by some groups.

At least eight, out of the 11 governors of the two regions were present. The governors in attendance were Chief Dave Umahi (Ebonyi), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Victor Ikpeazu (Abia) and Rochas Okorocha of Imo State.

Others were Emmanuel Udom (Akwa Ibom), Ben Ayade (Cross River), Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa) and Nyesom Wike (Rivers).
The governors of Delta, Edo and Anambra states were absent. Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State had his deputy, Dr Nkem Okeke, stand in for him.

About a week ago, political leaders of the South-East zone also met in Enugu and declared on their support for a united but restructured Nigeria.

During the governors’ meeting on Sunday, the host, Ugwuanyi, while welcoming the governors noted that the two regions not only share the same culture, values, geography, brotherhood, friendship but also common challenges.

According to him, the meeting became vital as it would enable them understand themselves more and afford them a chance of making amends, strengthening old ties as well as fashion out a common regional program that will help develop the regions.

While decrying the common infrastructural problems in the two regions, Ugwuanyi argued that a united region of South-South and South East will thrive, as mutual cooperation would give them more influence at the federal level.

He said, “I believe that a sustained South-East and South-South cooperation would foster and accelerate competitive development.
“Through inter-regional cooperation, we will be able to speak with one voice and form a greater political capital that will influence the Federal Government.”

Ugwuanyi, while noting that Igbo political leaders supported restructuring of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the basis of fairness and equity, urged the Federal Government to start a process of actualizing the mounting demand.

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He also urged the South-South governors to support the proposed South-East Development Commission (SEDC) which is currently before the National Assembly. He said like the NDDC, achieving the bill will help raise development in the South-East.

Also discussed during the meeting was the need for the inclusion of the eastern rail corridor, which runs through the South-South and South-East, in the proposed Chinese EXIM Bank loan.

At the end of the meeting, the governors resolved to pursue inter-regional cooperation and integration for the economic benefits of the two zones.

They also agreed to work together and realign the people to achieve common heritage, culture and affinities.
A three point communiqué the governors reached after the meeting, which was read by Akwa-Ibom State Governor Udom, revealed that the governors unanimously elected Udom as the new chairman of the forum.

The communiqué further said that the next meeting of the Governors’ Forum would take place in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on August 27, 2017.

 

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