Ohanaeze Backs Southeast Ex-Govs’ Forum, Seeks Wider Igbo Inclusion

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has thrown its weight behind the newly inaugurated Forum of Southeast former governors, describing it as a strategic platform for regional coordination and development engagement with the Federal Government.

Recall that the forum, led by former Ebonyi State governor, David Umahi, was inaugurated in Enugu as a non-partisan body aimed at strengthening collaboration between past and serving governors in the Southeast.

In a statement issued by the organisation and signed by its Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesman, Chief Thompson Ohia, Ohanaeze described the initiative as a timely intervention in addressing the region’s long-standing infrastructure and economic challenges.

Ohanaeze noted that sustained cooperation with the Federal Government would help accelerate development across the Southeast.

The group said the forum presents an opportunity to deepen engagement on critical issues affecting the region, particularly infrastructure deficit, economic stagnation, and the need for stronger federal partnerships to drive growth.

However, Ohanaeze urged the forum to expand its scope to accommodate former governors of Igbo extraction from Delta and Rivers States, particularly those from Anioma and Ikwerre communities, arguing that such inclusion would better reflect the broader Igbo identity.

It further proposed that the forum consider a name change from “Southeast Former Governors Forum” to “Igbo Former Governors Forum” to accommodate the expanded membership structure and promote inclusiveness.

The organisation dismissed criticisms trailing the formation of the forum, describing them as politically motivated attempts to sow division within the Igbo political space. 

It maintained that internal disagreements should not distract from what it described as a collective drive for regional development and political relevance at the national level.

Ohanaeze also reaffirmed its support for stronger collaboration between Southeast political leaders and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying such engagement remained crucial to attracting federal presence and development projects to the region.

The group referenced several political figures associated with the forum, including former governors and stakeholders such as Peter Obi and Orji Uzor Kalu, alongside other Southeast political leaders across party lines.

It noted that while some prominent stakeholders were absent at the inaugural meeting in Enugu, their participation would be important in strengthening consensus on security, infrastructure development, and economic priorities in the region.

Ohanaeze called on political leaders in the Southeast to set aside partisan differences and work collectively in the interest of regional stability, unity, and development.