The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has held its first meeting two weeks after the death of governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state.
The former Ondo state governor died in December 27, 2023 after a serious ailment.
The Forum, however, failed to honour or pay a condolences visit to the family of the late governor, who was also the chairman of the South-west Governors Forum and the Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum.
While the South-west Governors Forum had paid a condolence visit to the family, his party’s governors forum has not till date.
It was also gathered during the Wednesday meeting of the APC Governors Forum that the Governor Hope Uzodimma-led PGF was yet to issue a condolences message or press statement in honour of the late Akeredolu.
A prominent source closed to the Wednesday’s evening meeting, who pleaded anonymity, expressed disappointment that the Forum is yet to visit Ondo state or send a condolences letter to the family.
The source said: “The development is not surprising because Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and the late Ondo Governor did not enjoy the best of relationship while he was alive.
“Don’t also forget that Hope Uzodimma did not hide his opposition to Akeredolu’s wife, Betty Akeredolu’s Senatorial ambition when she moved to contest in Imo state.
“Although some Governors who are members of the PGF have been visiting the family individually but as a Forum under Governor Hope Uzodimma, no such move,” the source said.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the meeting Wednesday night, Uzodimma said: “This is our first meeting since the beginning of this year and the meeting gave us the opportunity to review what is going on in the country and also agree on how best to continue to support our government and our party with a view to maximazing the benefits of current policies of our administration.
The progressive governors’ forum are united in supporting the APC administration ably led by our able President Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
“We will continue to support him, we will take his policies to the grassroots and as sub-national leaders of our great party, ensure that our people come on the same page with the thinking of the government whose primary objective is to secure the country and provide adequate welfare to the good people of our dear country.”
