Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun has been elected the new chairman of the Southern Governors Forum (SGF), while Prof. Charles Soludo of Anambra state emerged as the forum’s Vice Chairman.
The SGF, which is the umbrella body for the 17 governors from the South-South, South-East and South-West geopolitical zones of Nigeria, last held its meeting three years ago, following the demise of its then chairman and governor of Ekiti state, Rotimi Akeredolu.
Briefing newsmen after the forum’s meeting, held at the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta, Abiodun said his emergence underscores the commitment and determination to ensure the southern states occupy their pride of place.
“It is indeed an honour and a humble one at that, that I have been nominated to lead the Southern Governors’ Forum, along side Professor Charles Soludo, the Governor of Anambra State as the Vice Chairman of this forum.
“I first want to thank all the Governors, the 17 Governors for coming to Abeokuta today for this meeting, the first meeting after about three years. It underscores the commitment and the determination to ensure that the Southern States occupy their pride of place.
“I also want to thank them for this confidence so reposed in myself and Professor Soludo and pledged that we will ensure that this confidence is justified.
“We have discussed a whole ranging number of issues but because of time constraints, myself and Governor Soludo will make available to you pressmen the details of our communique that reflects our aspirations, our determination, the new and repositioned Southern Governors’ Forum,” he said.
16 governors were in attendance except the Govenror of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara
