By Olusegun Samuel Precious
Governors of the South-South geopolitical zone have unanimously reaffirmed their support for the 2027 re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while urging the Federal Government to step up interventions on critical infrastructure and environmental challenges across the Niger Delta.
The resolution was reached during a meeting of the South-South Governors’ Forum hosted in Calabar, Cross River State, and chaired by Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri.
The high-level meeting was attended by Host Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State. Delta, Edo, and Rivers States were represented by their respective Deputy Governors: Sir Monday Onyeme, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, and Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu. Also present were regional stakeholders, including leadership from the BRACED Commission led by Amb. Joe Keshi, and the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) led by Amb. Boladei Igali.
Reading the official communiqué, Governor Diri stated that discussions centered on accelerating regional integration, boosting economic synergy, and securing greater federal backing for environmental remediation beyond the ongoing Ogoni cleanup in Rivers State.
“The Forum resolved to engage President Tinubu on critical issues affecting the region, particularly infrastructure development and environmental remediation,” Diri noted, emphasizing that the governors remain committed to deepening regional collaboration.
To maintain momentum on regional development, the forum resolved to meet quarterly, scheduling its next summit for November 6 to 8, 2026, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
