Orji Emerges S’East Governors’ Chairman as Obi Steps down

 Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji

Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, Sunday emerged the new Chairman of the South-east Governors’ Forum.

Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, who had led the forum in the last four years announced Orji as the new chairman while briefing journalists shortly after their meeting at the Government House in Enugu.

Obi is due to hand over to Chief Willie Obiano who won last year’s gubernatorial election  on March 17, having served two terms as governor of the state.

He said: “You know over the years, we have been committed to ensuring that the South-east remains together for the development and unity of the region.

“We have discussed and elected a new chairman who is the governor of Abia State, Chief Theordore Orji.”

The announcement elicited thunderous excitement and jubilation from the people at the Government House, Enugu.

Obi added that from the reaction expressed over the election of Orji, he was convinced that “this will be a wonderful chairman.”

Praying for unity and peace among members of the forum, Obi said he was convinced that efforts made over the years for the development of South-east would continue while he is away and wished the forum well.

Meanwhile, Orji has described his election as “a big task,”  adding however, that “but I know with the support of my colleagues the task will be very easy. What I pledge is that I will put in my best as the chairman to lead the South-east region to the next level. I therefore ask for the cooperation of all to move the zone forward.

“I pledge to move the South-east region forward especially in the area of economic development. Obviously this task is a daunting one but with the cooperation of you (media), I will surely accomplish this task.

“I also assure you that I will  move the region to the next level with the active participation of all stakeholders.
Governors who were in attendance included Sullivan Chime of Enugu State, Ebonyi State Governor,  Martin Elechi; Governor Obi and Governor Orji.

Other stakeholders who attended the meeting included former Governor of Anambra State, Chief Chukwuemka Ezife; Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Chief Ben Obi and the Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Mr. Eugene Odoh.