KEY POINTS

• Minister of Works David Umahi launched the South-East Former Governors Forum in Enugu, describing it as a cross-party advisory body to support serving governors on developmental and national matters
• Several former governors missed the inaugural session due to medical appointments abroad; the forum expects over 90 percent attendance at its next meeting
• The forum praised President Tinubu for key South-East appointments and ongoing infrastructure development across the region

Minister of Works David Umahi launched the South-East Former Governors Forum in Enugu on Tuesday, establishing a cross-party platform designed to advise serving governors across the region on developmental and national issues.

Speaking after the forum’s maiden meeting, Umahi said the body will work alongside presiding governors in the South-East, offering counsel on zonal priorities and broader national matters. Additionally, membership is open to all former governors from the five South-East states regardless of party affiliation.

90 percent turnout expected at next meeting

“The forum is meant to work hand-in-hand with serving governors and advise them on key zonal and national matters,” Umahi said.

Umahi noted that several former governors missed the inaugural session due to medical appointments and commitments abroad. He expressed confidence that the South-East governors forum would attract over 90 percent of eligible former governors at its next gathering.

Forum praises Tinubu’s South-East appointments and infrastructure push

Moreover, members paid a courtesy visit to Enugu Governor Peter Mbah on the sidelines of the meeting. Former governors present included Sullivan Chime of Enugu, Martin Elechi of Ebonyi, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia and Chris Ngige of Anambra.

The forum also commended President Bola Tinubu for key appointments drawn from South-East leaders and ongoing infrastructure development across the region. “We commend Mr President for key appointments given to sons and daughters of the South-East and for the infrastructural development taking place in the region,” Umahi said.

Furthermore, the South-East governors forum plans to engage serving governors regularly to promote unity, cooperation and strategic development across the zone, with additional former governors expected to join the platform in the coming weeks.