Governors of the South East/South South States rose from their meeting in Owerri weekend where they took a position on certain issues common to the interests of the states in the nation’s affairs.
In a communiqué after its meeting, said “The Forum discussed issues bordering on the prevalent political atmosphere in the country and resolved that the regions will go in the one direction that will be beneficial to the political future of the people of the region”
The Forum expressed worry by the dearth of infrastructure in the two regions.
Here is full text of the communique
COMMUNIQUE OF THE MEETING OF SOUTH-EAST/ SOUTH-SOUTH GOVERNORS FORUM HELD IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE, OWERRI, IMO STATE ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 8, 2017
The Governors of the South-East and South-South States of the Federal Republic of Nigeria met in Owerri, Imo State on Sunday, October 8, 2017, to discuss and take a position on certain issues common to the interests of the States in the Nation’s affairs.
The meeting which was chaired by Mr. Udom Emmanuel Governor of Akwa Ibom State, had in attendance 8 Governors and 1 Deputy Governor. Other Governors present at the meeting were Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State. The Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nkem Okeke represented the Governor.
At the end of the meeting, The Forum stated that what unites the people of the South-East and South-South is much more than political party and other considerations.
The Forum is worried by the dearth of infrastructure and unjustified lack of significant federal presence in the South-East and South-South regions and called for more attention to be paid to the infrastructural and other needs of the regions by the Federal Government.
The Forum discussed extensively on the proposed amendment of the 1999 constitution and resolved to take a position that will be in the best interest of the people of the two regions.
The Forum commended the role played by some patriots in instituting broad-based negotiations between the regions of the North and South-East which led to the setting aside of the so-called “quit notice” issued by some misguided youths in the North to the Igbos resident in that part of the country. They also expressed the hope that it will be the last time any person or group of persons will make any statement or take actions that suggests that any part of the country is a no-go area to other Nigerians.
The Forum discussed issues bordering on the prevalent political atmosphere in the country and resolved that the regions will go in the one direction that will be beneficial to the political future of the people of the region.
The Forum acknowledged the efforts of the security agencies which has brought relative peace to the regions and across the country, and has consequently contributed immensely to an increased and sustained oil production with the attendant benefits to the country. They also commended the efforts of all stakeholders who have worked to ensure that the regions remain calm and safe.
The Forum expressed the hope that these efforts by the Governors and other stakeholders to maintain peace and stability in the two regions will translate to the two regions reaping increased dividends in the form of greater attention paid to the urgent infrastructural and other needs of the regions.
The Forum commended the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, for organizing security summits in the different geopolitical zones of the country and hoped that the outcome of the summits will lead to better policing of the country in the interest of the citizenry.
The Forum re-echoed their faith in one indivisible and indissoluble Nigeria.
The Forum will re-convene in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Signed:
Governor Udom Emmanuel
Chairman