By CrossRiverWatch Admin
The National Deputy Treasurer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Engr. Ben Akak, has commended the South-South Governors’ Forum for the resolutions reached at its meeting in Calabar, describing the gathering as a significant step towards building a more united, economically integrated and development-focused South-South region.
Akak, in a statement on Tuesday, particularly commended the Chairman of the Forum, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, and the host Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, for providing the leadership required to bring the six South-South states together around issues of common interest.
He said the decision by the governors to pursue regional infrastructure, rail connectivity, seaport development, industrialization, investment mobilization and stronger engagement with the Federal Government demonstrated a growing understanding that the challenges and opportunities of the South-South could no longer be addressed in isolation.
According to him, the South-South possesses enormous economic potential which, if properly harnessed through cooperation among the states, can transform the region into one of Nigeria’s most formidable economic blocs.
“I commend our governors for recognizing that the future prosperity of the South-South lies in our ability to speak with one voice and pursue common economic and developmental interests.
“The Calabar meeting has provided an important platform for the region to move from fragmented efforts to coordinated action. What we need now is sustained implementation of the resolutions reached,” Akak said.
The APC National Deputy Treasurer also welcomed the Forum’s resolve to engage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on critical regional concerns, describing such engagement as necessary for securing greater Federal Government intervention in infrastructure, environmental restoration, maritime development and other areas critical to the prosperity of the Niger Delta.
READ: South-South Governors Move To Build Regional Economic Powerhouse
He said the proposed rehabilitation and modernization of the Calabar, Port Harcourt and Warri seaports, as well as the opportunities presented by the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, could significantly expand economic activities, create jobs and reposition the region as a major investment and maritime hub.
“As a Cross Riverian, I am particularly encouraged by the renewed attention to the Calabar Port and the broader economic opportunities that regional connectivity can create for our state and our people.
“Calabar has the location, history and potential to play a central role in the economic transformation of the South-South. We must therefore continue to support every genuine initiative that will unlock this potential,” he said.
Akak further described the Forum’s reaffirmation of 100 per cent support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 as a demonstration of the growing confidence in the President’s leadership and his administration’s commitment to the development of the South-South.
He said the endorsement was significant because it came alongside a clearly articulated regional development agenda, stressing that political support must be matched by continued partnership between the region and the Federal Government.
“As members of the APC, we are proud of the confidence the South-South Governors have expressed in President Tinubu. But beyond elections, our responsibility is to ensure that the partnership produces tangible benefits for our people.
“The South-South must use its political strength strategically to attract investment, infrastructure, employment opportunities and sustainable development to our communities,” Akak stated.
He also congratulated Governor Otu on successfully hosting the Forum and noted that his emergence as the South-South Zonal Campaign Coordinator of the APC Presidential Campaign Council places an additional responsibility on him to strengthen political cooperation and mobilization across the region ahead of the 2027 elections.
Akak expressed confidence that Governor Otu, working with his colleagues across the region and the leadership of the APC, would bring the same spirit of cooperation demonstrated at the Calabar meeting to the political mobilization for the 2027 presidential election.
He called on political leaders, traditional institutions, civil society organizations, business leaders and citizens across the South-South to support the emerging regional development agenda.
“The South-South has the resources, human capital, strategic location and political relevance to become a leading economic force in Nigeria. What we require is unity of purpose, responsible leadership and the political will to translate our resolutions into action.
“Calabar has once again provided the platform. It is now time for the South-South to turn this renewed unity into measurable development for our people,” Akak said.
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