Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has reaffirmed the commitment of South-East Governors to regional unity, collaboration and support for national development, stressing that collective leadership remains critical to the progress of the zone and Nigeria at large.
Governor Uzodinma made the declaration on Friday during an interview with Journalists after paying a New Year visit to Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, at his country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
He explained that the visit was part of deliberate efforts by leaders of the region to deepen cooperation and strengthen ties aimed at driving sustainable development.
“This is a new year, 2026, and as leaders of the South-East, we are determined to develop our region. The only way to achieve this is through collaboration”, Governor Uzodinma said.
The Imo State Governor, who also chairs the South-East Governors’ Forum, noted that the visit provided an opportunity for strategic engagement, exchange of ideas and agreement on approaches that would improve the welfare of the people across the region.
“I came to share ideas with my brother, who is doing very well, to wish him a happy New Year and to pray that God will give us wisdom to serve our people better”, he added.
Addressing questions on whether the visit had political undertones, Governor Uzodinma dismissed such insinuations, noting that leadership engagements naturally involve political discussions.
“Everything in the world is politics. We are politicians, so when two politicians meet, there will naturally be political discussions”, he said.
Speaking on the 2027 general elections and recent political realignments, Governor Uzodinma played down claims that developments within opposition parties could undermine President Bola Tinubu’s prospects, describing the President as a proven political figure.
“President Tinubu is a brand and his achievements in the economy, security, policies and social interventions speak for themselves,” he stated.
He further stressed that South-East Governors has resolved to move beyond ethnic sentiments and divisive politics in the interest of national unity.
“We have decided to stop tribal politics because we are Nigerians first. The five Governors of the South-East are united in supporting President Tinubu’s policies and good governance”, Governor Uzodinma said.
He urged the media to reflect the true position of political leaders in the region, emphasising that the South-East remained committed to a united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
In his response, Governor Otti thanked Governor Uzodinma for the visit and extended New Year greetings to Nigerians, describing the Imo Governor as a brother and commending his leadership of the South-East Governors’ Forum.
Governor Otti noted that while the visit was not necessarily political, “it is impossible for politicians to meet without touching on politics,” adding that governance should be viewed as a shared responsibility across all tiers of government.
“Government is one, whether it is Federal, State and Local and you cannot claim to be in opposition to a government you are part of”, he said.
The Governor explained that differences in political party affiliation should not be misconstrued as opposition to governance, noting that consensus remains essential once decisions are taken.
He highlighted the longstanding relationship between Abia and Imo States, noting that many Imo indigenes live and do business in Abia, particularly in Aba and expressed appreciation to Governor Uzodinma for the visit.
