From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

His emergence followed a motion moved by Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and seconded by Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, during a meeting at the Bayelsa State Government House, Yenagoa.

The governors also unanimously endorsed Cross River State Governor, Bassey Edet Bassey Otu, as vice chairman.

Before his emergence, the governors in attendance including Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom state, commended Diri for convening the meeting which they stated was long overdue.

In their separate remarks, they lamented the dire situation in the South-South region and expressed confidence in the ability of Diri to pilot its affairs.

The governors pledged not to allow party affiliations to divide them in taking a stance on national issues that affect the people of the South-South region.

In his acceptance speech, Diri said it was a call to service to galvanise the South-South region towards development for it to take its rightful place in Nigeria.

In a communique issued meeting, the Forum expressed commitment to collaborative governance that would advance the well-being of the South-south people.

It also commended President Bola Tinubu for the commencement of the coastal road and appealed that work should begin from the Calabar axis.

While noting the ongoing works at the East/ West Road, the forum emphasised the need to expedite action towards its completion to facilitate the movement of goods and services.

The governors also urged relevant stakeholders/ agencies to extend its remediation of the polluted environment in Ogoni to other polluted areas of the region.

It endorsed the Tax Bill of President Tinubu, stressing that the proposed VAT sharing percentage should be extended to other areas of derivation such as oil and gas.