The Igbo apex socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Tuesday told President Muhammadu Buhari that the Igbo nation is committed to the Nigerian project and desires a country that provides the Southeast people the platform and opportunities to contribute their utmost best to the growth of Nigeria.
It also told the President that Ndigbo both at home and in the Diaspora seek justice, equity and fairness, adding that going and by their historical antecedents, they can claim to be the most federating unit in the country.
President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Ambassador George Obiozor stated this at the luncheon reception of President Buhari during his one day official visit to Imo State.
The Ohaneze President told the President that insecurity and infrastructural decay were among the greatest challenges facing the zone.
He said, “Mr. President, I wish to reiterate and I speak on behalf of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide both at home and in Diaspora that our people are committed to the Nigeria project, that we desire a country that provides us the platform and opportunities to contribute our utmost best to the growth of our fatherland.
“We seek justice, equity and fairness and going by our historical antecedents we are in every part of Nigeria and therefore can claim to be the most Federating unit in this country.”
Professor Obiozor said, “It gives me great pleasure to once again welcome Mr. President to Owerri the hearland of the Igbo Nation.
“I recall that on Thursday 9th September, 2021 in this same venue, I presented an address to His Excellency Mr. President on wide range of issues of concern to our people and zone. So much had happened since your last visit to Imo State.
“It is important to inform Mr. President that although our people are doing their utmost best to confront the plethora of challenges, the one that is of the greatest importance for the South East Political zone is the issue of security and infrastructure.
“Your Excellency, Mr. President, it is my pleasure to acknowledge with appreciation and immense gratitude your encouragement and support to the Government of the South East towards the development and growth of the South Eastern zone.
“The people of Imo State particularly and Igbo land in general commend you for your act of magnanimity. We also equally want to state categorically and as you have seen in the projects you have just commissioned and those you commissioned earlier one year ago that the Imo State Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma is indeed a committed Governor, development focused, transformation Governor, and a statesman.”
He told the President: “We seek justice, equity, fairness, and going by our antecedents, we are in every part of Nigeria and therefore claim to be the most federating of all Nigerians.”
Prof Obiozor presented to the President a booklet titled, “Journey so far”, which is a compilation of his public speeches as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Buhari inaugurated the 36km dual carriageway of Owerri-Orlu road in Imo.
He subsequently met with South-East leaders but Governors in the region were noticeably absent.
Vanguard
