By Kingsley Agim
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has been elected Vice Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum following a meeting held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, in Bayelsa State. The meeting also saw the emergence of Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State as Chairman of the Forum.
The gathering, which took place at the Government House, Yenagoa, brought together five governors from the region who deliberated extensively on key developmental and strategic issues. The meeting culminated in the adoption of a 10-point communique, reaffirming the governors’ commitment to fostering unity, sustainable development, and improved governance across the South-South region.
Key Resolutions from the Forum:
1. Acknowledgement of Presidential Support: The Forum expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support, which facilitated the emergence of Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, as President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
2. Coastal Highway Development: The governors commended the President for initiating the Coastal Road project but appealed for the commencement of work from the Calabar axis, emphasizing that this vital infrastructure would enhance connectivity and stimulate economic growth in the region.
3. East-West Road Completion: Recognizing the strategic importance of the East-West Road in linking South-South states, the Forum urged the Federal Government to accelerate its completion to facilitate movement and economic activities.
4. Environmental Remediation: The Forum called on the Federal Government to extend the ongoing Ogoni land environmental cleanup to other polluted communities across the region.
5. Railway Expansion: The governors advocated for the activation of the Port Harcourt railway line and its extension to other states within the South-South, to enhance transportation and economic integration.
6. Tax and Revenue Reforms: The Forum expressed support for the President’s Tax Reform Bill and urged that Value-Added Tax (VAT) revenue-sharing be extended to other derivation areas, particularly the oil and gas sectors.
7. Regional Cooperation & Unity: Emphasizing the importance of collective progress, the governors resolved to strengthen inter-state collaboration to achieve shared developmental goals.
8. Regional Security Network: The Forum announced plans to establish a well-structured regional security framework to enhance safety, combat crime, and create a stable environment for economic prosperity.
9. Economic Diversification: Member states were encouraged to expand their economic base beyond oil and gas, exploring other viable industries for sustainable growth.
10. Revitalization of BRACED Commission: The governors committed to reinvigorating the BRACED Commission, ensuring it effectively represents the interests and aspirations of the people in the region.
With these resolutions, the South-South Governors’ Forum reaffirmed its dedication to regional development, security, and economic prosperity, while seeking continued collaboration with the Federal Government for the benefit of its people.
