23rd March 2026, NewsOrient, Opinion, Column, News, Governance And Development, Law And Society, Business And Economy
By Emeka Nwosu, PhD.

Last week, Abia State played host to a joint meeting of traditional rulers from the two geo-political zones of South East and South South. This is a remarkable development which signposts a growing determination on the parts of these two brotherly and proximate regions to deepen long existing traditional ties and bonds of unity.

The meeting which took place at the newly commissioned Local Government Ministry Complex in Umuahia, otherwise known as JAAC Building, was well-attended by prominent royal fathers from both sides of the divide, including the Obi of Onitsha, HRH Nnaemeka Achebe.

Significantly, the choice of Abia for such a strategic confab is a clear acknowledgement of the impressive infrastructural transformation that has taken place in Abia which hitherto could not attract any meaningful national and regional events because of the poor state of infrastructure in the State. But within the three years of Otti`s stewardship, serious giant strides have been made in every facet of the State.

The aggressive urban renewal programme of Governor Alex Otti has fundamentally changed the infrastructural landscapes of Aba and Umuahia, including Ohafia.

Within this short period, the Otti administration has been able to build new conference structures and upgraded existing ones to global standards. New ones are still popping up, including Enyimba International Hotels, Aba, which is currently being transformed into a 5-Star Hotel to be managed by Radisson Blu, a global chain in the hospitality industry.

The Michael Okpara Auditorium is another classic example. The former low grade facility has been transformed into a world-class conference facility.

Also, the existing International Conference Centre at Ogurube Layout Umuahia has similarly witnessed a remarkable upgrade. These intentional projects undertaken with single-mindedness are the reasons why many important national and regional events are now being held in the State.

The government of Alex Otti deserves special commendation for these noteworthy efforts.

Addressing the traditional rulers, Governor Otti harped on the need for regional unity and cooperation, noting that collective effort was the surest path to sustainable development. He stressed the importance of working together across political and traditional divides, adding that progress was best achieved through unity.

His words: “If you want to go fast, you go alone, but if you want to go far, you go together. The message is very clear-from now henceforth, we should go together”.

The Chairman of the South South Monarchs` Forum, Sergeant Chidi Awuse, spoke in the same light. He emphasized the need for unity, cooperation, and support for constituted authorities. Awuse advocated stronger regional integration between the South East and South South, noting that collective action would deliver greater results than isolated efforts, while urging traditional rulers to continue partnering with the government to sustain peace and development.

The admonitions of Governor Otti and HRM Chidi Awuse could not have come at a better time than now when some disgruntled elements from both sides of the regions are being used by some external forces to drive division in the relationship between the South East and South South geo-political zones. The social media is awash with sponsored propaganda aimed at stalling any cooperation and collaboration between the peoples of these two brotherly regions. A clear example is the proposed Anioma State which is to be the sixth State in the South East Zone. There have been a vicious campaign by sponsored hack writers to kill the proposal.

Some have even resorted to ethnic profiling and casting of tribal slurs all in an effort to inflame passions and cause unnecessary confusion. The two regions are one people with shared cultural commonalities. The political units referred to as geo-political zones are nothing but artificial constructs put in place essentially for administrative purposes. They are not organic and, therefore, cannot be eternal. It is important that we overcome these man-made barriers and work together as one people with a common destiny.

It is against this background that Governor Otti`s charge to the monarchs should be properly appreciated. It resonates. The two zones need to work closely together to be able to meaningfully assert themselves in Nigeria. There is strength in unity. If they work at cross purposes, they would not be able to make any appreciable impact within the Nigerian Federation. Whatever may be the historical grievances among the various groups in the two zones could be resolved through mutual understanding and sincere dialogue. Unity and cooperation is the way to go.

The traditional rulers must, therefore, hearken to the timely call of Alex Otti and work together to ensure closer cooperation and collaboration between the peoples of the two brotherly regions. For united we stand, but divided we fall. May God continue to direct our leaders along the path of wisdom and knowledge.

Dr. Nwosu, a Public Policy Analyst, writes from Umuahia.
Email: cdnwosu2@gmail.com

~ Published By NewsOrient Network

For News, Inter
views, Special Events Coverage, Advertisements, Corporate Reports, etc., Contact:
Email: Newsorientng@gmail.com

Website: https://newsorientng.com
Phone: +2348023165410; +2348064041541