The new year began with a significant gesture of regional solidarity as Senator Hope Uzodinma, Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum, crossed state lines to visit Governor Alex Otti of Abia State.
While the two leaders represent different political flags, the atmosphere at the meeting was one of shared purpose rather than partisan rivalry.
The visit, which included former Imo Governor Chief Ikedi Ohakim, was framed not as a political strategy session, but as a “New Year courtesy call.”
Senator Uzodinma emphasized that his primary goal was to offer prayers and well-wishes for the year ahead. However, he didn’t shy away from praising his host, noting that Governor Otti is “doing very well” in his delivery of good governance to the people of Abia.
The core message of the encounter was clear: Collaboration is the key to survival. As Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum, Uzodinma highlighted a collective determination to transform the region.
We in the South East are determined to develop the region. And the only way we can do this is through collaboration… to share ideas and agree on how best to help the people of the region to survive.” — Gov. Hope Uzodinma
The leaders reaffirmed that all five South East governors are working in lockstep to ensure the region remains a vibrant, integrated part of the Nigerian federation.
Governor Alex Otti echoed this sentiment, providing a refreshing perspective on Nigerian politics. He challenged the idea that belonging to different parties makes governors “opponents” of the government they are actually a part of.
As the meeting concluded, both governors stood as a united front, signaling to the South East that while politics may divide them during elections, the duty of development binds them together.
