Umuahia — In a gesture of regional solidarity, Imo State Governor and Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodinma, paid a New-Year courtesy call to Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti on January 3, 2026, affirming the collective resolve of South-East governors to accelerate development through collaboration.
Arriving at Governor Otti’s country residence in Umuehim, Nvosi, Senator Uzodinma said his visit was pastoral and fraternal rather than political. “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,” he told reporters, stressing that the five governors of the zone must work in concert to ensure the South-East remains an integral and thriving part of Nigeria.
Uzodinma, who also chairs the Progressive Governors’ Forum and coordinates the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in the South-East, emphasised that inter-state cooperation—not partisan rivalry—would underpin the region’s revival. “We in the South-East are determined to develop the region. And the only way we can do this is through collaboration,” he said, calling for sustained dialogue and joint initiatives to improve the welfare of citizens across the geopolitical zone.
Governor Otti welcomed his guest and echoed the sentiment that political affiliation should not impede governance. “Government is one; you have the national, the sub-national, and then the local governments,” he remarked, adding that disagreement is healthy but once a decision is made it must be embraced as collective policy. The Abia governor thanked Uzodinma for the goodwill visit and for the prayers offered on behalf of leaders and citizens alike.
The visit underlined an emerging tone of cooperation among South-East leaders as they seek common strategies for economic growth and social stability. Political aides said that the day’s discussions touched on channels for joint infrastructure, security collaboration, and regional integration—steps the governors hope will translate into tangible improvements for residents.
Senator Uzodinma was accompanied by former Imo governor Chief Ikedi Ohakim and other aides. Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Abia’s Chief of Staff, and members of Governor Otti’s cabinet received the visiting governor, who described the exchange as part of his responsibilities as chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum.
As the new year begins, the visit — widely covered by national outlets — was read as a public reaffirmation that, despite party differences, South-East governors are prepared to coordinate policies and projects in the interest of regional advancement. Observers say the tone of the meeting bodes well for pragmatic cooperation in the months ahead.