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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu and Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
Former governors from the South East geopolitical zone have formally established a new platform aimed at supporting and advising incumbent governors on key regional and national issues.
The development was announced on Tuesday following the inaugural meeting of the forum, where a communiqué was read by former Ebonyi State governor and serving Minister of Works, David Umahi.
Other former governors who attended the meeting include Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu); Chief Sullivan Chime (Enugu); Chief Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia); Chris Ngige (Anambra); and Chief Martin Elechi (Ebonyi).
Addressing journalists, Umahi said the newly formed South-East Forum of Former Governors would serve as a unifying body for past leaders of the zone, irrespective of political affiliation, with a mandate to provide guidance and strengthen governance in the region.
“The South East Forum of former governors is formed today, 7th of April 2026. The body is to support our presiding governors of the South-East and advise them on key zonal and national matters,” he stated.
Umahi explained that although several former governors were absent due to health-related travel and other engagements, the forum expects a broader turnout at its next meeting.
He emphasised that membership of the forum cuts across party lines, noting that all individuals who have served as governors in the South-East are eligible to participate.
“The forum shall be for all former governors, irrespective of party affiliation, so far they have been governors in the South-East,” Umahi said.
The former governors also used the opportunity to commend the current governors in the region for what he described as their commitment to development, particularly in infrastructure, empowerment, and security.
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“We commend the great works that our governors of the South-East are doing for the benefit of our people, especially infrastructure development, empowerment and security,” he said.
The forum expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, applauding his administration for appointments and infrastructural projects in the region.
“We commend Mr President very highly for all the appointments, some of them very key, that he has given to sons and daughters of the South-East, and for the infrastructure revolution in the South-East, just like what he is doing in other regions of the country,” Umahi said.
Umahi further disclosed that both former and current governors in the region are aligned in their support for the President’s second-term ambition.
“We boldly say that all the governors of the South-East are supporting Mr President’s re-election, and we are very grateful for them because this is strategic thinking and a strategic approach,” he stated.
The forum also acknowledged federal support to state governments, noting that such assistance has significantly contributed to developmental strides across the region.
“We also thank Mr President for the assistance to the governors of the South East, which has helped them in very, very high measure towards the great achievements they have recorded,” he added.
Umahi revealed that the group plans to engage directly with serving governors to strengthen collaboration and align efforts towards regional development.
He noted that the engagement would focus on identifying areas of synergy and supporting ongoing initiatives.
“That’s just to synergise with them and see areas we can support them, and of course, help them to educate our people on the great work they are doing,” Umahi concluded.
