For the umpteenth time, Governors Rotimi Amaechi, Adams Oshiomhole and Rochas Okorocha of Rivers, Edo and Imo States, respectively, have shunned the meeting of the South-East/South-South Governors’ Forum.
The last time the group met in Enugu, the three governors were equally absent.
Similarly, except the trio, the meeting held at the Enugu Government House on Sunday was attended by all the Governors in the two regions.
Those in attendance were Governors Sullivan Chime of Enugu State, Martin Elechi- Ebonyi State, Peter Obi of Anambra State, Theodore Orji- Abia State, Emmanuel Uduaghan- Delta State, Godswill Akpabio- Akwa Ibom State, Liyel Imoke- Cross Rivers State and Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah.
However, unlike Ohaneze Ndigbo, which had earlier in the day endorsed President Jonathan for a second term in office, the governors said the masses would decide Nigeria’s president in 2015.
In a communique read after the meeting by the Cross River Governor, Liyel Imoke, the Governors stated that no group or individual would be allowed to usurp the wish of Nigerians.
The communique read in parts: “After extensive cordial deliberations, the Governors of the South-South/South-East zones resolved to continue to strenghten economic ties between our states and to continue to pursue the development of the zones as well as to prosecute the various infrastructure projects earlier identified.
“We thank Nigerians for their continued support for the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR, whom they elected overwhelmingly.
“We urge Mr. President to remain focused on governance and not to allow himself to be distracted.
“We note that the determination of who will be president of this country in 2015 will be made by the Nigerian electorate in line with democratic tenets and the power of the people should not be usurped by any group or individuals”.
“We call for continued dialogue at resolving national issues and the management of the security situation in the country to guarantee the continued corporate existence of our great nation. We commend the security agencies for their efforts in managing these challenges and commend the federal government for the massive reduction in crude oil theft”, the communique added.
While calling on the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to end its three-month old strike, the Governors urged the union and other players “to be sensitive to the plight of our children”.
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