By Nkechi Eze
A new political and advisory platform bringing together former leaders from Nigeria’s South East has been inaugurated, with members pledging to support regional development and collaborate with serving governors on key national and zonal issues.
The forum, known as the South East Former Governors Forum, was formally launched in Enugu during a maiden meeting attended by several past governors of the region. Among those present were David Umahi, Sullivan Chime, Martin Elechi, Okezie Ikpeazu, Chris Ngige and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Speaking after the meeting, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the gathering marked the official birth of a body designed to unite former governors of the South East irrespective of party affiliation and to offer guidance on issues affecting the region.
According to him, the initiative is intended to complement the work of current governors and provide experienced perspectives on matters of governance and development.
“You must have been wondering what is going on. What was going on and is still going on is that we now have the birth of a forum of former South East governors today, April 7, 2026,” Umahi said.
He explained that although some former governors could not attend the inaugural meeting due to engagements and medical trips outside the country, the forum expects wider participation at its next meeting.
“Many of the former governors, some are outside the country for medical checkup and some engagement but in our next meeting we are sure that over 90 percent of the former governors of South East will be in attendance,” he added.
Umahi stated that the forum would serve as a supportive platform for the region’s current governors by providing counsel on strategic regional and national issues.
“The body is to support our presiding governors of South East and advise them on key zonal and national matters. The forum shall be for all former governors, irrespective of party affiliation, so far they have been governor in South East,” he noted.
The forum also commended the current governors in the region for their efforts in advancing development and improving the welfare of the people.
Members of the forum further praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what they described as ongoing nationwide development initiatives, particularly in infrastructure, as well as the inclusion of South East sons and daughters in key federal appointments.
“We commend Mr. President, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR very highly for all the appointments, some of them very key, that is given to sons and daughters of South East, and for infrastructural revolution in South East, just like what he’s doing in other regions of the country,” Umahi stated.
He added that the forum appreciated the federal government’s support for governors in the region.
“We also thank Mr. President for the assistance to the governors of South East. We are grateful to Mr. President,” he said.
Umahi further disclosed that the governors of the region are united in their support for the President.
“We boldly say that all the governors of South East are supporting Mr. President reelection and we will continue to give them support,” he stated.
Looking ahead, he said the next meeting of the forum would attract broader participation from former governors across the region, adding that the platform would continue to engage with serving governors to strengthen regional cooperation and development.
As part of its activities, members of the forum paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, where they discussed the importance of collaboration between past and present leaders to advance the interests of the South East.
