By CHARLES IWUOHA

A forum of former governors from Nigeria’s Southeast geopolitical zone has been established to provide support for incumbent governors and offer advisory guidance on key regional and national issues

The resolution was reached at a meeting held on Tuesday at the Presidential Loge, Government House Enugu.

The meeting had seven former governors, namely, Martins Elechi and Engr. David Umahi (Ebonyi State), Sullivan Chime and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and Chris Ngige of Anambara State.

Reading a communique on behalf of forum, the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, outlined the group’s objectives and positions.

He said that the newly formed body would serve as a platform for collaboration among former governors, regardless of political party affiliation, noting that membership is open to all who have previously governed any of the Southeast states.

According to him, the forum is primarily aimed at supporting the current Southeast governors in delivering good governance and addressing challenges facing the region.

“The Forum of Former governors of the Southeast is formed today, April 7, 2026. The body is to support our presiding governors of the Southeast and advise them on key zonal and national matters,” he stated.

Umahi added that the forum commended the efforts of incumbent governors in the region, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development, security, and empowerment of citizens.

“We commend the great work that our governors of the Southeast are doing for the benefit of our people, especially in infrastructure development, empowerment, and security,” he said.

The former governors also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what they described as significant appointments of Southeast indigenes into key positions, as well as ongoing infrastructure projects in the region.

“We commend Mr. President very highly for the key appointments given to sons and daughters of the Southeast and for the infrastructural revolution in the region, just as is being done in other parts of the country,” Umahi said.

The forum further acknowledged the President’s support to governors across the country, which it said has contributed to the achievements recorded by Southeast governors in their respective states.

“We thank Mr. President for the assistance to governors, which has helped the Southeast governors in very high measure towards the achievements recorded in their various offices,” Umahi added.

In a significant political move, the forum declared its support for Tinubu’s re-election, aligning with the position of current Southeast governors.

“We boldly say that all the governors of the Southeast are supporting Mr. President’s re-election, and we are very grateful for this strategic thinking and approach. We will continue to support them,” Umahi said.

He, however, noted that not all former governors were present at the inaugural meeting due to medical trips and other engagements, but expressed optimism that attendance would improve significantly.

“Many of our colleagues are currently outside the country for medical checkups or have other engagements, but at our next meeting, we are confident that over 90 percent of former governors of the Southeast will be in attendance,” he explained.

The forum also disclosed plans to pay a courtesy visit to the Governor of Enugu State, who currently chairs the Southeast Governors’ Forum, to formally brief him and other serving governors on its activities and explore areas of collaboration.

“We are going to pay a courtesy call to the Governor of Enugu State to report our outing and to seek a date to meet with all Southeast governors so we can synergize and support them,” Umahi said.

He emphasised that the initiative is designed to strengthen governance in the region through experience-sharing and strategic support, rather than to compete with or undermine the authority of current officeholders.

“This is purely a support platform. They are the leaders, and we are here to provide guidance and encouragement where necessary,” he concluded.