BREAKING NEWS: GOV EMMANUEL RATIONALIZES S’SOUTH/ S’EAST GOVS’ PARLEY
…………..Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State says the similarities and peculiarities of challenges among States in the South South and South East part of Nigeria have necessitated the regular meetings of the Governors in the region.
Mr Emmanuel said poor infrastructure, dearth of federal presence and other issues of concern have besieged the region despite its enormous contributions to the economic wellbeing of the country.
Governor Emmanuel who spoke while opening a meeting of Governors of the two regions in Owerri, the Imo State Capital, expressed concern about the state of the country which has given rise to the cacophony of voices calling for self-determination from sections of the country, as well as the issues of justice, fairness and equity which many believed are equally lacking.
Mr Emmanuel posited that, as leaders the governors owed their people the responsibility of ensuring the security of their lives and protection of their interest.
Reassuring of their commitment to the unity of the country, he thanked all for their contributions to the resolution of the quit notice ultimatum to some persons in the country, saying it further proved that the people are still willing to co-exist as one.
“We are pleased that some patriots rose to the occasion and instituted broad based negotiations between the regions of the north and south east and we salute the courage and patriotism of those leaders whose actions prevented the escalation of that unfortunate situation.”
The Forum chairman commended the security agencies for the improved security situation in the country, a situation which he said gave rise to the increased oil production and other benefits to the country.
While thanking his colleagues for their roles in maintaining peace throughout the two sister regions, Governor Emmanuel appealed to the federal government to increase the revenue to the states as well as accord greater attention to the poor state of infrastructure in the regions.
Mr Emmanuel commended the host Governor Rochas Okorocha and the other governors for according priority to the forum, and expressed believe that the decisions arrived will be implemented to the overall wellbeing of the people.
Earlier while welcoming the governors, Governor Okorocha had recounted that the forum was in place to discuss issues of unity and how to harness the resources of the land for the people’s benefits. He said that the historical and cultural affinities that unite the people, have overweighed the divisions caused by political parties’ affiliation.
Mr Okorocha thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for his ability to steer the ship of the Forum and also commended his colleagues for their unity of purpose.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Chairman of the Forum, Governor Udom Emmanuel said that the Governors discussed constitutional amendments by the National Assembly, security, need for improved revenue following improved peace and need for the two regions to go in one political direction during the next dispensation.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike in a goodwill message said that unity is vital to the development of the two regions.
Governor Wike said that it is good and pleasant for the people of the two regions to work in unity for the good of their people .
He said: “God will lead the South-South and South-East people to work together. As suggested in the Bible, we will work in unity for the growth of Nigeria “.
Earlier, the Governors held a prayer session for the two regions and the country. The governors took turns to pray for the regions during the session at the Imo State Government House Chapel of Victory.
The next meeting of the Forum would hold in Akwa Ibom on 6th November, 2017.
In attendance at the meeting were the Akwa State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwanyi, Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and Deputy Governor of Anambra State Governor, Nkem Okeke.
By Ndifreke P. Akpan
Aksg House Press Uyo
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