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South-South, South-East governors discuss boosting economic growth through regional integration

By on May 13, 2013

IMG_5418Governors of the South-South and South-East met in Asaba, the Delta State capital, today and resolved to boost the economy of their zones through regional integration.

Chairmen of the South-South and South-East Governors Forums, Governors of Cross River, Senator Liyel Imoke, and Anambra States, Mr. Peter Obi, respectively, addressed newsmen on the outcome of their meeting attended by Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who was represented by his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru.

The South-South and South-East Governors agreed on economic and political integration of their regions formerly known as, old Eastern and Mid-Western regions, pledging to strengthen cooperation across board with particular focus on developing infrastructure linking the regions especially federal roads, calling on the Federal Government to expeditiously develop infrastructures across both regions with a view to stimulating economic activities in both regions.

The Governors appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to, among other things, rehabilitate all rail lines linking the States in the region and embark on the construction of railway links between all States, ensure the development of all the ports in the regions including the Abia Dry Port, deepsea ports including Ibaka, Escravos, among others, establish cargo airports including the Owerri airport.

The South-South and South-East Governors agreed on economic and political integration in the old Eastern and Midwest regions now the South-South and South-East geopolitical zones. The Governors pledged to strengthen cooperation across the board in particular focus on development of infrastructure linking the regions especially federal roads.

The South-South and South-East Governors call on the Federal Government to rehabilitate all rail lines linking the States in the regions and embark on the construction of railway links between all states. The Governors pledged to work together to ensure the development of all the ports in the region including the Abia Dry Port and call on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to facilitate the achievement of these objectives.

Furthermore, the South-South and South-East Governors commended the President for the extensive ongoing rehabilitation of the airports across the country, calling on President Jonathan to establish cargo airports including Owerri, deepsea ports at Ibaka, Escravos, and Calabar ports, and work to revive agro-allied industries, particularly, all rubber plantations and exploit comparative advantages in agriculture in both regions, urging it to facilitate full implementation of the free trade zone status of all States in the region.

Both Governors Forums commended the President for his robust leadership and result-yielding transformation agenda which deserves the unwavering support of all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria alike and his noble achievements in the area of strengthening our democracy, stabilizing the polity, growing the economic and improving the quality of life for all citizens.

Godswill Jumbo
Acting Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor
Sunday, May 12, 2013