The Most Marginalized Regions In Nigeria South-East, South-South - Wike

Governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike, has said that the South-South and South East geo-political zones are the most politically and economically marginalized within the nation.

He stated this while delivering his welcome address during a meeting of the eleven governors from the two regions in Port-Harcourt, the Rivers states capital.

According to him, none of the airports and seaports located in the regions is reasonably functional, while the few federal roads are not in good shape.

Wike also lamented that neither are the two regions linked by any rail services.

He said as neighbours, the two regions must strive to overcome challenges through regional efforts by sharing resources, intelligence and denying sanctuaries to criminal elements in the areas.

Wike further noted that the people of the two geo-political zones have always shared common heritage and affinity.

“As we go into the business of this meeting, let us be confident in the rightness of our course and clear in our considerations that we have been and would continue to be worse off without the will to exploit our political and economic complementary to drive our ways into political, economic and social prosperity.

“Above all, we must continue to demand for the devolution of powers and resources to the states as well as the institutionalization of State Police, now that there is national consensus on these issues.”

On his part, Chairman of the South-South and South-East Governors Forum and Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel urged the governors of the two regions to form a common front for socio-economic development.

He described the meeting as a new beginning for the two geo-political zones for the good of her people.

The governor expressed delight that the governors have set aside impediments to chart a new direction.

He charged the two regions to work together for prosperity.

His words: “Federal presence in the region is minimal and only seen in the presence of policemen”.

Emmanuel called for the development of an industrial framework that will enhance development.

He said the regions are better of united than divided and pleaded with Nigerians to continue to strive for the unity of the country.

Governors who attended the meeting are: Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike of Rivers State, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State and Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State

Others in attendance include: Acting Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah , Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Nkem Okeke, Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu and Cross River State deputy governor, Prof. Ivara Esu.