South East, South South governors resolve to tackle oil theft

The governors of states in the South East and South South geopolitical zones on Sunday in Enugu, Enugu State resolved to work together in efforts to tackle the increasing rate of oil theft in the country.

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, who is the Chairman of South-East Governors Forum, told newsmen at the end of the governors’ meeting that the two zones also agreed to work together in developing the area’s infrastructure.

Obi said: “Akwa Ibom and Abia States have reached an understanding to work with the private sector to reconstruct the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road in order to improve economic activities in the two states.

“We (the governors) discussed the issue of oil theft and how we are going to curb it.

“We also discussed issue of ethnic harmony and how to promote it.”

Obi said that the governors commended President Goodluck Jonathan on his achievements, as reflected in his midterm report.

He said the feats demonstrated that Jonathan’s transformation agenda was on course.

He conveyed the continued support the governors for the transformation agenda of the Jonathan-administration.

The meeting was attended by eight of the 11 governors in the two zones.

Those who attended the meeting included Theodore Orji of Abia State, Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, Liyel Imoke of Cross River State and Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State.

Others were Governors Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State and Sullivan Chime of Enugu State.

Governors Adams Oshiomole of Edo State, Rochas Okorocha of Imo State and Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State did not attend the meeting.