Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo has reaffirmed the commitment of South-East governors to regional unity, collaboration and support for Nigeria’s overall national development.
Uzodinma spoke on Friday during a New Year visit to Gov. Alex Otti at his country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia.
He said the visit underscored ongoing efforts by South-East leaders to strengthen cooperation and collectively address development challenges confronting the region.
According to him, sustained collaboration remains essential to unlocking the South-East’s economic potential and improving living standards for the people.
“This is a new year, 2026, and as leaders of the South-East, we are determined to develop our region through collaboration,” Uzodinma said.
The Imo governor, who chairs the South-East Governors’ Forum, said the meeting created room for frank discussions on governance priorities.
He noted that governors exchanged ideas on infrastructure, security, economic growth and policies aimed at improving citizens’ welfare.
“I came to share ideas with my brother, wish him a happy New Year and pray God grants us wisdom to serve better,” he added.
Addressing questions on political motives, Uzodinma said leadership engagements inevitably involve political discussions.
“Everything in the world is politics. When two politicians meet, political conversations will naturally take place,” he said.
On the 2027 general elections, Uzodinma dismissed claims that opposition realignments could weaken President Bola Tinubu’s prospects.
He said Tinubu’s leadership record remained a strong foundation for public support across the country.
“President Tinubu is a brand. His achievements in the economy, security, policies and social interventions speak clearly,” Uzodinma said.
He stressed that South-East governors had resolved to move beyond ethnic, sectional or divisive political considerations.
“We have decided to stop tribal politics. We are Nigerians first before any other identity,” he stated.
Uzodinma said all five South-East governors were united in supporting Tinubu’s policies and good governance initiatives.
He urged the media to accurately reflect the true positions of leaders, stressing the region’s commitment to national unity.
Uzodinma said the South-East remained firmly dedicated to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Nigeria.
In his response, Governor Otti thanked Uzodinma for the visit and extended New Year goodwill to Nigerians.
Otti described Uzodinma as a brother and commended his leadership of the South-East Governors’ Forum.
He said the visit was not necessarily political, though political discussions were unavoidable among elected leaders.
“It is impossible for politicians to meet without touching on politics,” Otti said.
He emphasised that governance remains a collective responsibility shared across federal, state and local governments.
“Government is one. You cannot claim opposition to a government you are constitutionally part of,” he stated.
Otti said differences in party affiliation should not be misconstrued as opposition to governance itself.
“You may disagree, but once decisions are taken, everyone remains part of the system,” he added.
He reaffirmed Abia’s place within the Federal Republic of Nigeria and appreciated Uzodinma’s visit.
Otti highlighted longstanding ties between Abia and Imo, noting significant social and commercial interactions, especially in Aba.
“We were once one state. Boundaries do not divide us. We are Igbo people and Nigerians,” Otti said.
(NAN)
