From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Following South East non-participation in the ongoing #EndBadGovernance Protests, the Forum of Nigeria Professionals in Politics (FNPP) has applauded the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma for his efforts to enhance cooperation between the South East and South West regions.
In a statement issued in Abuja, FNPP National Coordinator Okey Ezenwa highlighted Uzodinma’s role as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Coordinator in the South East, emphasizing his successful diplomacy and consultations, noting that the South East’s non-participation in protests against the Tinubu administration reflects Uzodinma’s effective initiatives in fostering regional understanding and collaboration, which are vital for national unity and progress
Ezenwa stated that the fact that the South East did not take part in the ongoing protest against the Bola Tinubu administration is a testament to the success of Uzodinma’s effort in the rebuilding and reenactment of the “handshake across the Niger”, which the Forum believes will further reinforce the ties and partnership between the regions.
The Forum further attributed the emerging understanding between the two regions to the efforts Uzodinma in “getting the South East to understand and appreciate the commitment of the Tinubu administration towards the well-being of Nigerians resulting in the willingness of the region to give the President the desired support and time to fix the rot he inherited from the previous administration”.
The forum expressed hope that Uzodinma’s efforts to promote cooperation between the South East and South West regions will be consolidated and reciprocated in peaceful accommodation, recognition, and harmonious relationship between the two regions.
The FNPP noted that the South East and South West regions have a lot in common and stand to benefit immensely by working together
According to Ezenwa, “Our Forum commends Governor Uzodinma for using his position as the APC Coordinator in the South East towards entrenching social tranquillity in the zone, and to ensure that the region remains peaceful, safe, stable and economically active.
“We also applaud his efforts in using the position to promote and strengthen understanding and cooperation between the South East and the South West regions of the country.
The Forum added that the governor’s sustained consultations, visits to Lagos and shuttle diplomacy to sort out and resolve the mistrust of the Igbos, have resulted in promoting mutual understanding, a stronger bond, love and much-desired collaboration between the two regions.
That the fact that the South East did not take part in the ongoing protest against the Tinubu administration is a testament to the success of Governor Uzodinma’s effort in the rebuilding and reenactment of the “handshake across the Niger”, which has further reinforced the ties and partnership between the regions and show the South East as peace-loving people who are willing to give the South West the desired support in every aspect of national live and engagement”.
The Forum urged Uzodinma to remain steadfast in his efforts especially in returning the South East to mainstream national politics and ensuring that the region remains, safe, peaceful, stable economically alive and in harmonious and beneficial collaboration with other regions of the country.