REPORTER: PEACE AGBO
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State says the South-East Governors have resolved to move beyond ethnic sentiments and divisive politics in the interest of national unity.
Governor Uzodinma hinted this in an interview with Journalists after paying a New Year visit to Governor Alex Otti of Abia state at his Umuehim country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
He noted that the South-East Governors were also committed to regional unity stressed that collective leadership remains critical to the progress of the zone and Nigeria at large.
Governor Uzodinma who was in the state to deliberate efforts by leaders of the region to deepen cooperation and strengthen ties said his moves would boost sustainable development.
The Imo State Governor, who also chairs the South-East Governors’ Forum, noted that the visit would provided an opportunity for strategic engagement, exchange of ideas and agreement on approaches that would improve the welfare of the people across the region.
On the 2027 general elections and trending political realignments, Governor Uzodinma played down claims that developments within opposition parties could undermine President Bola Tinubu’s visions but described the President as a leader who have made remarkable achievement within his period in office.
While stressing the need for the media to reflect the true position of political leaders in the region, Governor Hope disclosed that the South-East remained committed to a united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
In his response, Governor Otti thanked Governor Uzodinma for the visit and extended New Year greetings to Nigerians, describing the Imo Governor as a brother and commending his leadership of the South-East Governors’ Forum.
Governor Otti noted that while the visit was not necessarily political but “it is impossible for politicians to meet without touching on politics,” adding that governance should be viewed as a shared responsibility across all tiers of government.
The Governor explained that differences in political party affiliation should not be misconstrued as opposition to governance, noting that consensus remains essential once decisions are taken.
