Oshiomhole emerges chairman of S’South governors’ group

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has emerged the new chairman of the Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta Governors’ Forum

The Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Liyel Imoke, while handing over to Oshiomhole, described the forum as a veritable forum for the advancement of the interest of the South-South geopolitical zone.

He said that the forum, BRACED, was founded and funded by the governors of the South-South states with the aim of championing a common economic goal.

“I believe we have done well and I think that the incoming chairman will take BRACED to greater heights,” he said.

He urged the new governors in the South-South states to give full support to the new chairman with a view to achieving the objectives of the forum.

In his remarks, Oshiomohle thanked the governors for the trust reposed in him and promised to do his best.

He commended Imoke for his leadership qualities, adding that BRACED had come to stay.

According to him, there is a need for the region to come together under one economic block in view of the present economic and political situation in the country’ irrespective of political affiliations.

He said this would enable the region articulate its position on issues of oil exploitation and environmental degradation.

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The Edo governor promised to follow the footsteps of Imoke in taking the forum to greater heights.

The Director General of BRACED, Mr Joe Keshi, described the forum as very necessary, considering the current political development in the country.

Keshi stated that the region was naturally endowed to stand on its own, and stressed the need for each geopolitical zone in the country to begin to build its own capacity.