Southeast Governors Forum on Sunday said it has waded into the rift between former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim and billionaire businessman, Prince Authur Eze.
The two illustrious sons of the region have recently engaged in media war over unresolved disagreements dating back to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
But, the Governors, during their meeting on Sunday, directed Ohaneze Ndigbo National President, Nnia Nwodo, to interface with the two leaders with a view to amicably resolving the rift.
Chairman of the Forum, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi, told reporters at the end of a virtual meeting they also urged the two leaders to cease fire to enable the governors make peace.
Umahi also said the forum will liaise with the Federal Government to make funds available for the eastern railway corridor.
According to him, there is no funding for the corridor, which cuts across South South, Southeast, North Central and northeast regions.
The Governor also said it will engage the contractor handling the Ajaokuta-Abuja-Kaduna gas pipeline to ensure the Southeast is integrated into the project
“Since the pipelines are going to come from the South South and southeast, we feel the states in the region should also benefit. So we are also engaging the federal government on this”, the governor said.
The Governors also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for funding the second Niger bridge and the Enugu International Airport renovation projects.
Umahi said the August 30 restart of the Airport is on course, while the bridge is due for completion in 2022.
The Governors, according to Umahi, also agreed to unveil the name of a joint security outfit of the region during their next meeting.
On schools reopening, Umahi said the Governors agreed to wait for the Federal Government’s decision on date for re-opening.
He said it will be difficult for pupils in nursery and primary schools to maintain COVID-19 safety protocols in schools.
The Governors, according to Umahi, also agree to, in the interim, get the schools ready for re-opening and complaint to NCDC Covid-19 safety protocols guidelines.
