POLITICS
New Year Courtesy Visit: South-East Governors Reaffirm Unity, Collaboration as Gov. Uzodinma Visits Gov. Otti, Commends Abia’s Governance
The Imo State Governor and Chairman of the South East Governors Forum, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has paid a New Year courtesy visit to the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, in a move that underscored regional unity, cooperation, and collective commitment to development across the South East.
Speaking to newsmen after the visit, Senator Uzodinma clarified that the visit was not politically motivated, despite both leaders belonging to different political parties. He explained that the purpose of the visit was purely to extend goodwill and strengthen ties at the beginning of the new year.
“So, my visit is a courtesy call to the Governor, who I have also seen is doing very well.
“I wished him a happy New Year and prayed with him so that the Almighty God will give us enough strength to continue to serve our people better and better. That is why I am here,” Gov. Uzodinma stated.
Governor Uzodinma emphasized that the governors of the South East are resolute in their determination to ensure the development and integration of the region through sustained collaboration and shared vision.
“We in the South East, we are determined to develop the region. And the only way we can do this is through collaboration.
“And as the Chairman of the South East Governor’s Forum, I have a responsibility to touch base with them, to discuss with them, share ideas, and agree on how best to help the people of the region to survive.
“The five of us, Governors of the South East, have decided to make sure that the South East is part of Nigeria. And that is what we are working on,” Gov. Uzodinma assured.
The Imo State Governor, who also serves as the Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in the South East and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, used the occasion to commend Governor Alex Otti for the quality of governance being delivered in Abia State, noting visible progress and purposeful leadership.
In his response, the host Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, expressed gratitude to his guest for the visit and firmly dismissed any insinuation that the meeting had political undertones. He stressed that differences in party affiliation should not be misinterpreted as opposition to governance.
“This is not necessarily a political visit, but because we are all politicians, there is no way we can’t discuss politics.
“But then, I think what is most important from what he has said is that government is one. You have the national, the sub-national, and then the local governments. And I made the point that you can’t be opposition in a government that you are part of.
“So, when people mistake an issue of different political parties as opposition, they miss the mark.
“You can disagree, and there are forums for disagreement. But once a decision has been taken, you are part and parcel of that decision,” Gov. Otti stated.
Governor Otti further reaffirmed that the Abia State Government is an integral part of the Federal Government, stressing that the essence of the visit was to exchange New Year goodwill and foster intergovernmental harmony. He added that he deeply appreciated the gesture and the spirit of unity it represented.
Governor Hope Uzodinma was accompanied on the visit by his wife, former Imo State Governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, among
other notable dignitaries.