Abia State
Imo Gov Uzodinma Visits Gov Otti, Says South East Governors Determined to Develop Region
The Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has paid a New Year courtesy visit to Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, declaring that governors of the region are committed to developing the South East through collaboration.
Uzodinma made the declaration while speaking to journalists after the visit on Thursday, January 2, 2026, at the Abia State Government House.
“This Is Not a Political Visit” – Uzodinma
The Imo governor stressed that his visit was not politically motivated, but purely a goodwill gesture to mark the New Year.
“I did not come for political reasons, though we are politicians. I came to pay a New Year visit to the Governor, who I have also seen is doing very well,” Uzodinma said.
He added that the visit was also an opportunity to pray together for wisdom and strength to serve the people better in 2026.
“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.”
South East Governors Committed to Regional Development
Uzodinma reiterated that governors of the South East are united in their resolve to move the region forward.
“We in the South East are determined to develop the region, and the only way we can do this is through collaboration,” he said.
According to him, his role as Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum requires constant engagement with fellow governors to share ideas and align strategies for the benefit of the region.
“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,” Uzodinma assured.
The Imo governor, who also serves as Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in the South East, commended Governor Otti for what he described as quality governance in Abia State.
Otti: Different Parties Don’t Mean Opposition
Responding, Governor Alex Otti thanked Uzodinma for the visit and equally dismissed suggestions that it had political undertones.
“This is not necessarily a political visit. But because we are all politicians, there is no way we can’t discuss politics,” Otti said.
The Abia governor stressed that belonging to different political parties does not amount to opposition within governance.
“You can’t be opposition in a government that you are part of. When people mistake different political parties as opposition, they miss the mark,” he stated.
Otti explained that government at all levels federal, state and local must work together once decisions are taken in the national interest.
He reaffirmed Abia State’s alignment with the Federal Government and described the visit as a symbol of unity and cooperation.
Dignitaries at the Visit
Governor Uzodinma was accompanied by former Imo State Governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, among other aides. Senior officials of the Abia State Government, including the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, and cabinet members, were also present.
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