The Governors of the South East has risen from their meeting at Enugu State Government House where they discussed several issues bothering the region from security to economic development.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the chairman of the forum and the governor of Ebonyi state, Engr. Dave Umahi revealed that; “the South East Governors had earlier on July 28, 2019, formed her South East Joint Security outfit and inaugurated the Committee in August the same year.
He disclosed that arrangements are on to legislate on the matter in all the House of Assemblies in the States.”
Speaking on the preferred name of the security network, Engr. Umahi dismissed the rumour of “Ogbunigwe” which has been circulating on social media as the name of the outfit. He said; “at the appropriate time, the name of the outfit would be made public and the Federal Government would be invited to know the details of the Joint Security Program.”
Addressing newsmen after the meeting which lasted for over five hours, the Governors expressed satisfaction with the level of work done at the ongoing rehabilitation of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
They applauded Mr President for making funds available for the work while pointing out that the fencing and bridges done are commendable.
The Governors equally thanked the Enugu State Governor for making more land available for the project. They expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the South East Committee on Project, Sir Chris Okoye and the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, for quality works and their commitment to reopening the airport by March 31st of this year.
The Chairman of the Forum further went ahead to commend the Federal Government for speedy works done on the Enugu-Portharcourt Expressway, but noted that the contractors of the Aba – Portharcourt axis are not yet properly funded to achieve completion of work before the coming rainy season. The Governors appealed that all the companies be properly funded.
Governor Umahi disclosed that, Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, briefed the Forum on the Enyimba Economic City project and requested support in fixing the ring roads, and the Forum assured that it is committed to the project.
The Forum equally commended the President, Minister of Works and other stakeholders for the level of funding of the 2nd Niger Bridge and expressed confidence that the project would be completed before the expiration of the tenure of Mr. President.
The Forum also thanked Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo and Imeobi for attending their meeting and assured the people of the South East that the Governors would collaborate with them to ensure the protection of lives and property in the geopolitical zone.
The governors of Ebonyi, Enugu and Abia State were present for the meeting while the Deputy governor of Anambra State represented his state. Imo state governor was conspicuously absent and didn’t send a representative.
