South-East Ex-Governors Forum Debuts, Applauds Tinubu’s Infrastructure Drive
By Raphael Ekpang
A new platform bringing together experienced political leaders has been established in South-East Nigeria, with a focus on regional cooperation and national development.
The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, joined other former governors in Enugu to formally launch the South-East Former Governors Forum.
According to the senior special assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works; Francis Nwaze, Senator Umahi after the forum’s maiden meeting explained the rationale behind the initiative:
“You must have been wondering what is going on. What was going on, and is still going on, is the birth of a forum of former South-East governors today, April 7, 2026.
“Many of the former governors are currently outside the country for medical check-ups or other engagements, but at our next meeting, we expect over 90 percent of them to be in attendance.”
According to him, the forum is designed to complement the efforts of serving governors in the region:
“The body is to support our serving governors of the South-East and advise them on key zonal and national matters. The forum shall accommodate all former governors, irrespective of party affiliation, as long as they served in the South-East.”
He also commended the current governors for their efforts toward regional development:
“We commend the great work being done by the governors of the South-East for the benefit of our people.”
The forum further praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ongoing development initiatives across the country, particularly in infrastructure:
“We highly commend Mr. President for key appointments given to sons and daughters of the South-East, as well as the infrastructural revolution in the region, in line with what is being done across other parts of the country.
“We also thank Mr. President for his support to the governors of the South-East. We are truly grateful.”
Senator Umahi also expressed political support for the President:
“We boldly state that all the governors of the South-East are supporting Mr. President’s re-election, and we will continue to give them our support.”
Looking ahead, he disclosed that more former governors are expected to join the forum in the coming weeks:
“Our next meeting will see the participation of most of the former governors.”
He added that the forum will continue to engage with serving governors to strengthen unity and cooperation across the region.
As part of its inaugural activities, the forum paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah.
Notable attendees at the meeting included Sullivan Chime, Martin Elechi, Okezie Ikpeazu, Chris Ngige, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
