Restructuring: South-South, South-East leaders meet today in Imo

GOVERNORS from the South-South and South-East geopolitical zones are poised to take a common position on issues of inter-regional cooperation at a joint meeting coming up today in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

A notice of the meeting was, however, not explicit on the main issues that would top discussions by the governors, as it only said it was meant to be a regular consultation.

The notice, which was signed by the Akwa Ibom governor, Udom Emmanuel, the interim chairman stated: “This meeting will provide an avenue for deliberation on various issues of regional and national importance with a view to enhancing collaboration on matters of common interest to the overall benefit of the citizens and residents of the states in these regions.”

The warning by President Muhammadu Buhari, in his Independence Day, broadcast that his government would not allow irresponsible groups to undermine the sovereignty of the country, had provoked anger from some leaders from the South, especially the South-East, which is the hotbed of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).

At a similar parley held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital about some weeks ago, the leaders agreed to collaborate on all matters affecting the two zones.