In his first working visit to Imo State since winning a second term, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said it was absurd to him that any Igbo man would be considering exiting Nigeria as the region dominates the economy of the country. The president also assured that at the end of his eight-year tenure in May 2023, most economic and security challenges faced by the country would have been addressed.
The president made the assertions in Owerri at a town hall meeting with Southeast leaders, which was the first time Imo would host a president on a working visit since 2009.
“It is unthinkable for me that any Igbo man would consider himself not to be a part of Nigeria. The evidence is there for everyone to see that Igbos are in charge of Nigeria’s economy,” he said.
Buhari also said he wanted to be remembered as the president who stabilised the Nigerian security and economic situations and delivered prosperity and triumphs over corruption. The president reiterated his commitment to credible and fair elections in 2023 and promised to complete the Second Niger Bridge as well as other ongoing federal projects in the Southeast geo-political zone.
Meanwhile, The leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, is amazed by the resoluteness of IPOB members, his lead counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has said. This is as he also said that officials of the Department of State of Service no longer treat Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers in a despicable manner. He said this after the legal team visited the separatist leader in DSS custody on Thursday, the same day the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), visited Imo State.
The PUNCH reports that as a form of protest, IPOB ordered a sit-at-home during Buhari’s visit. During the visit, Buhari wondered why some Igbo men are clamouring for separation. He described as “unthinkable” attempts by any Igbo man to leave the country. The lawyer had earlier faulted the reasons given by officials of the Department of State Services for stopping lawyers from visiting the IPOB leader.
In an update about the Thursday visit, the lawyer said, “I visited Our indefatigable Client-Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in the company of his younger brother- Prince Emmanuel Kanu (Fine Boy), in apparent compliance with the guidelines for our routine visits.
“Our Client- Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has always been in a good spirit and his convictions have remained unwavering.
“We had far-reaching discussions that pertained to our professional services, and family concerns which were all addressed.
“He is amazed and impressed by the resoluteness of his millions of supporters and lovers of freedom. He is indeed, lacking in words to convey the depth of his gratitude and appreciation to you all.
“I am glad to inform millions of our supporters, wellwishers and Umuchineke, that following the outrage that greeted the despicable manner in which we were treated in the past weeks during these routine visits, the officials of the State Security Service have made a volte-face.
“We cannot hesitate to alert the world should there be any further change in their methodology, any day any time.
“Our Client- Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was very much impressed with the level of progress so far recorded by the legal team ably led by my humble self, and other people of good conscience.
Other details that may interest you further, shall remain private, as details of our legal strategy have been agreed to remain private.
“Be assured that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Never you lack focus but intensify your prayers for our dear Client-Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and all of us in the legal team. Forward ever and backward never, until victory is achieved. We are winning.”
Source: Thisday/Punch
