The 17 governors of the South-West, South-South, and South-East geopolitical zones of Nigeria who are members of the Southern Governors’ Forum, which serves as an umbrella organization. On Monday, Dapo Abiodun, the governor of Ogun State, was made Chairman of the forum; Prof. Charles Soludo, the governor of Anambra State, was elected Vice Chairman. Abiodun replaces Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), the former governor of Ondo State, who passed away in December of last year.
Abiodun of Ogun State, Soludo, Anambra; Godwin Obaseki, Edo; Seyi Makinde, Oyo; Alex Otii, Abia; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos; Ademola Adeleke, Osun; Francis Nwifuru, Ebonyi; Peter Mbah, Enugu; Douye Diri, Bayelsa; Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom; Biodun Oyebanji, Ekiti, and Bassey from Cross River State were present at the governors’ meeting on Monday in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Governor Hope Uzodimma was represented by Imo State Deputy Governor Chinyere Ekomaru; Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was represented by Delta State Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme; and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was represented by Ondo State Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami.
due to the absence of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Rivers State was represented by an empty chair.
The governors had a confidential meeting behind closed doors at the Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta for around five hours.
After the meeting, Abiodun told reporters on his selection to succeed Prof. Soludo as the forum’s chairman, this he termed as an honor he will always cherish.
“I would want to thank all 17 governors for traveling to Abeokuta for this conference, which is their first in almost three years. It emphasizes the dedication and will to make sure the southern states maintain their rightful role.
“I also want to thank them for this confidence so reposed in myself and Prof Soludo and pledged that we will ensure that this confidence is justified.
“We have discussed a whole ranging number of issues but because of the time constraints, myself and Governor Soludo will make available to you newsmen, the details of our communique that reflects our aspirations, our determination, and the new and repositioned Southern Governors’ Forum,”
