S’South, S’East Plan Inter-Regional Alliance

An inter-regional economic cooperation is now underway between South-South and South-East geo-political zones, courtesy of a meeting of governors of both regions, last Sunday.
In a communiqué released at the end of a one-day interactive meeting of the governors at Nike Lake Resort Hotel, Enugu, Enugu State, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Udom Emmanuel, was also chosen to head the inter-regional body in the interim.
The communiqué read by the governor of Akwa Ibom State, noted that the South-East and South-South governors have resolved to politically work together and re-align as a people that share common heritage, culture and affinity.
Earlier in his welcome address, Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, noted that the meeting will rekindle their brotherhood, strengthen old ties and cooperation as well as set a common front for the socio-economic and political development of the two regions and the nation.
Ugwuanyi, who observed that the South-East and South-South were united not only by history, geography and brotherhood, but also by common challenges, expressed the belief that the sustained consultations by the regions will further foster the much-needed inter-regional cooperation in tackling the challenges.
He further explained that the synergy will inspire accelerated competitive development, resourcefulness, industry, economic prosperity and socio-political harmony.
The Enugu State governor also observed that by working together, they will surmount regional developmental challenges and attract better responses from the Federal Government on issues plaguing the two regions.
Ugwuanyi stated that with the inter-regional cooperation and sharing of ideas, they will be better equipped to address the security challenges facing the regions.
Governors that attended the meeting include those of Rivers, Chief Nyesom Wike, Ebonyi, Dave Umahi; Imo, Owelle Rochas Okorocha; Akwa Ibom, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel and Abia, Okezie Ikpeazu.
Others are:  Cross River, Prof Benedict Ayade; Bayelsa, Hon Henry Seriake Dickson; Enugu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Anambra represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke; and the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.
The next meeting of the body was unanimously agreed to hold in Port Harcourt on the 27th of August, 2017.