Governor of Imo State, Chief Hope Uzodinma, has said that the five governors of the South-East are working in unity to promote development across the region through sustained collaboration and shared ideas.
Uzodinma made the remark on Friday during a New Year visit to Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, at his country home in Umuehim, Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area. He said the governors of the zone were committed to advancing the collective interests of the South-East by working together despite their different political affiliations.
Speaking during the visit, Uzodinma, who is Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, stressed that cooperation remained the most effective path to regional growth and stability.
“We in the South-East are determined to develop the region, and the only way we can do this is through collaboration,” he said. “As Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, I have a responsibility to touch base with my colleagues, discuss with them, share ideas and agree on how best to help the people of the region to thrive.”
He added that the governors had resolved to ensure that the South-East remained fully integrated within the Nigerian federation. “The five of us, governors of the South-East, have decided to ensure that the South-East remains an integral part of Nigeria, and that is what we are working towards,” Uzodinma said.
The Imo governor, who also serves as Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in the South-East and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC), described the visit as a courtesy call rather than a political engagement. He commended Governor Otti for his performance in office, noting that the visit was meant to foster goodwill.
“I did not come for political reasons, though we are politicians. I came to pay him a New Year visit,” Uzodinma said. “My visit is simply a courtesy call to a governor who is doing well. I wished him a happy New Year and prayed with him that God will give us the strength to continue to serve our people better.”
In his response, Governor Otti expressed appreciation for the visit and emphasised that it should not be viewed through a partisan lens. He noted that differences in party affiliation should not hinder cooperation among leaders.
“Belonging to different political parties should not be misconstrued as opposition,” Otti said. “This is not necessarily a political visit, though as politicians, it is natural to discuss politics. What is important is the understanding that government is one—at the federal, state and local levels.”
Otti added that disagreement was a normal part of governance but should not obstruct collective progress. “You cannot be in opposition in a government that you are part of. Disagreements are normal, and there are forums for them. But once a decision is taken, you are part and parcel of it,” he said.
He concluded by thanking Uzodinma for the New Year visit, noting that such engagements strengthened unity and cooperation among leaders in the region.
