FORMER KENNEDY CENTER EMPLOYEES ALLEGE LEADERSHIP DELAYED ROOF REPAIRS BEFORE CITING SAFETY ISSUES IN CLOSURE DECISION. (PHOTO).
The South-South Governors’ Forum (SSGF) has declared that the region has what it takes to become Nigeria’s most formidable economic bloc, while pledging “100 per cent” support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The governors also resolved to reposition the region as an integrated economic powerhouse by fast-tracking rail connectivity, rehabilitating seaports, promoting industrialisation and presenting a united front in its engagements with the Federal Government.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the second meeting of the SSGF, held in Calabar on Monday and chaired by Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri.
The forum identified regional rail development, rehabilitation of the Calabar, Port Harcourt and Warri seaports, and opportunities presented by the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as strategic priorities.
The governors also agreed to institutionalise quarterly meetings, with Uyo scheduled to host the next session from November 6 to 8, 2026.
Hosting his colleagues, Cross River State Governor and Vice Chairman of the forum, Senator Bassey Otu, said the region’s development depended on its ability to speak with one voice.
“We must come together as a people; we must cooperate, and we must ensure that our voice is heard and respected,” Otu said.
He maintained that the South-South had “everything it takes” to become one of Nigeria’s most formidable economic blocs.
Otu called for a common regional position on fiscal equity, including Value Added Tax, oil and gas revenues and the 13 per cent derivation benchmark.
He also sought the forum’s backing for Cross River State’s campaign to regain its oil-producing status
Comments
Post a Comment