“A Strategic Partnership to Unlock Southeast’s Development”

The apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, is pleased to announce its unequivocal support for the newly established Forum of Southeast Former Governors, led by the esteemed Senator Nweze David Umahi. The organization emphasizes, however, the crucial necessity for this forum to expand its membership to include former Igbo governors from Delta and Rivers States. This Southeast Former Governors Forum, as a non-partisan entity devoted exclusively to the promotion of infrastructural development and economic progress within the Southeast region, is regarded by all Igbos, both at home and abroad, as a progressive and commendable initiative.

More importantly, this forum aims to provide tactical support to the current governors of the Southeast in fostering a cooperative partnership with the Federal Government. Such collaboration is paramount for addressing the myriad challenges confronting Ndigbo and the Southeast as a whole, particularly in the realms of infrastructure and economic advancement.

In light of some dissenting voices questioning the legitimacy of this newly formed organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo categorically dismisses these criticisms as the machinations of external adversaries utilizing willing accomplices among misguided Igbo groups to sow discord in the digital public sphere. While dissent is a hallmark of democratic societies and should be welcomed, it must be underscored that the broader Igbo interest remains vital to the survival and progression of the Southeast region. Ohanaeze Ndigbo stands firm in its unwavering support for genuine governmental endeavors aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of the Southeast, given the historical neglect that has persisted since the conclusion of the Biafra War in 1970.

We are resolutely committed to strengthening our partnership with the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to ensure the protection and fulfillment of our collective Igbo interests through the concerted efforts of the Southeast Former Governors Forum in collaboration with the presiding governors of the region.

Moreover, we wish to remind the Southeast Former Governors Forum that Ohanaeze Ndigbo acknowledges the seven Igbo-speaking states, which encompass Anioma in Delta and Ikwerre in Rivers States. We earnestly encourage the inclusion of former Igbo governors from Delta and Rivers in their activities. In light of this, a strategic realignment of nomenclature from the Southeast Former Governors Forum to the Igbo Former Governors Forum would be prudent, thereby accommodating our brothers from Delta and Rivers States.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo expresses resounding confidence in members who attended the inaugural meeting in Enugu, including distinguished leaders such as Senator Dave Umahi, Ambassador Okezie Ikpeazu, Ambassador Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Dr. Chris Ngige, Barrister Sullivan Chime, and Chief Martin Elechi. These individuals epitomize exceptional leadership and serve as the pride of the Igbo nation. We implore other notable absentee members, including Senator Rochas Okorocha, Mr. Peter Obi, Senator Theodore Ahamefule Orji, Dr. Sam Egwu, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, Chief Willie Obiano, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, Chief Achike Udenwa, Dr. Okwesirieze Nwodo, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, the distinguished Igbo female governor, Mrs. V. Etiaba, and our venerable statesman Senator Jim Nwobodo, to actively participate in upcoming meetings, irrespective of their political affiliations.

Finally, Ohanaeze Ndigbo endorses the Umahi-led Southeast Former Governors Forum’s support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, recognizing it as being in the best interests of both the Southeast and the Igbo people as a whole.

Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
Deputy President General
Ohanaeze Ndigbo

Chief Thompson Ohia
National Spokesman
Ohanaeze Ndigbo