By Joy Onu
A new forum bringing together former governors of the South East has been launched, signaling a fresh chapter in regional collaboration and political engagement.
The South East Former Governors Forum was inaugurated in Enugu by Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, Minister of Works, alongside other former leaders of the region. The platform is set to advise current governors and work hand-in-hand on matters affecting the South East and the nation.
Senator Umahi emphasized the inclusive nature of the forum:
“The body is to support our presiding governors of South East and advise them on key zonal and national matters. The forum shall be for all former governors, irrespective of party affiliation, so far they have been governor in South East.”
While some members were away on medical or personal engagements, Umahi assured that over 90 percent of the region’s former governors will join the next meeting.
The forum also praised the achievements of serving governors:
“We commend the great works that our governors of South East are doing for the benefit of our people,” Umahi said.
Attention was drawn to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his nationwide infrastructural initiatives, which have particularly impacted the South East.
“We commend Mr. President very highly for all the appointments, some of them very key, that are given to sons and daughters of South East, and for infrastructural revolution in South East, just like what he’s doing in other regions of the country,” Umahi stated.
The forum expressed full support for the president’s reelection, pledging to back both him and the region’s governors in their efforts.
Following the launch, members paid a courtesy visit to Governor Dr. Peter Mbah of Enugu State, reinforcing ties between past and current leaders.
Notable attendees at the inaugural meeting included HE Dr. Sullivan Chime, HE Chief Martin Elechi, HE Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, HE Dr. Chris Ngige, and HE Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
The establishment of the forum is being hailed as a strategic move to leverage the experience of former leaders, strengthen governance, and boost development across the South East.
