Monday 30th October, President Muhammadu Buhari said that his government has been fair to the South East geo-political zone in terms of appointments which he said were evidenced in the allocation of four prominent ministerial positions to the zone.
The President assured leaders from the zone that his administration will benefit the Igbos in the zone more from roads and coastal rail projects, which he said were of critical importance to the economy.
The President who met with the leaders of the South East led by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, had in attendance the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nwodo, the governors and federal lawmakers from the area in a closed-door at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Buhari reassured them that 2nd Niger Bridge, the East-West Road and the Coastal rail project, were receiving utmost attention from his administration.
President Buhari in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said counterpart funding from the Chinese government would substantially fund these projects, which when completed will improve the welfare, well-being and economy of the people in the region.
He said, “I know the Chinese are very competent in handling such projects and we will ensure that we get the money for the projects to take off. I thank you for articulating your demands and I want to assure that we are doing our best for the country”
Responding to allegations of under-representation of Igbos in his government, the President said: “I gave south-east four substantive ministers in the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Investment, Science and Technology and Labour.
“Seven states in the North got Ministers of State and of the two Ministries headed by your sons, I cannot take any decision on foreign policy and investments without their input.” He said.
The president also added that he would soon visit states in the zone, “I want to assure you that I came into government with a clear conscience and I will also leave with a clear conscience.” He said.
InlandTown! 2017.
