By Jude Opara, Abuja

The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), a meeting of governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has held its first meeting two weeks after the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state who died on Dec. 27, 2023 after a protracted ailment.

However, the PGF failed to even honour or pay a condolence visit to the family of their late colleague who was also the Chairman of the South West Governors Forum (SWGF) and the Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum (SGF).

While the SWGF had paid a condolence visit to the family, his PGF has not done it.

It was also gathered during the Wednesday meeting that the Governor Hope Uzodimma-led PGF failed to even issue a condolence message or press statement in honour of their late colleague.

A source close to the PGF expressed disappointment that the forum is yet to visit Ondo State or send a condolence letter to the family the late Akeredolu.

The source added: “The development is not a surprise because Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and the late Ondo Governor did not enjoy the best of relationship while he was alive.

 “Don’t also forgot that Hope Uzodimma did not hide his opposition to Akeredolu’s wife, Betty Akeredolu’s Senatorial ambition when she moved to contest in Imo state.

“Although some governors who are members of the PGF have been visiting the family individually but as a Forum under Governor Hope Uzodimma, no such move has been made,” the source said.

Addressing newsmen after the meeting Wednesday night, Uzodimma said: “This is our first meeting since the beginning of this year and the meeting gave us the opportunity to review what is going on in the country and also agree on how best to continue to support our government and our party with a view to maximizing the benefits of current policies of our administration.

 “The progressive governors forum are united in supporting the APC administration ably led by our able President, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu.

 “We will continue to support him, we will take his policies to the grassroots and as sub-national leaders of our great party, ensure that our people come on the same page with the thinking of the government whose primary objective is to secure the country and provide adequate welfare to the good people of our dear country.”

Speaking on the allegation of missing money rocking Federal Ministry of Humanitarian and Disaster Management, the Imo governor said: “The only perfect being we have observed and noticed is the Almighty God. The functions of government includes encouraging good things and good appointees and discouraging bad things and bad appointees.

 “What you just said, it’s just an allegation and in the wisdom of the president, it is being investigated, it is after the investigation is completed and the report made available to the government, that the government will now take final decision. So don’t be in a hurry and don’t allow any sickness like anxiety crisis,” he concluded.