Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has been elected chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, with his Cross Rivers counterpart Bassey Otu, as vice chairman. The election was conducted in Yenagoa during the forums’ meeting on Tuesday.
Gov. Diri, nominated by Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori and seconded by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, described his election as a call to service, emphasizing collaboration to address regional challenges.
Top on the deliberation highlighted priorities such as security, agriculture, education, youth empowerment, regional air travel and rail connectivity.
The governors expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s tax reforms while urging increased oil derivation beyond the current 13%. They also called for expedited completion of the East-West Road, extension of Ogoni remediation efforts to other impacted areas, and commencement of the coastal road project from Calabar.
A communiqué issued emphasized the need for a unified approach to drive regional development and foster economic growth and cooperation beyond oil and gas.
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Earlier, the Governors unveiled a birthday cake to celebrate the 50th birthday of Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
However, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who was noticeably absent, did not send his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, to represent him at the meeting.
ATTENTION: REMEMBERING THE SAGE King (Dr) Robert Ebizimor and his Musical War with Sir Shina Peters
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