President Buhari’s momentous visit to Ebonyi State (1)

President Muhammadu Buhari recently paid a two-day visit to EbonyiState, the first Presidential visit to the state in the last 17 years. It was also his first visit to the Southeast geo-political zone since his assumption of office. The president said the visit was a strong expression of his belief in Nigeria’s unity.

The president’s visit, coming barely a month after the visit of Igbo leaders to President Buhari in Abuja is seen across the country as a rare feat by the Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. David Umahi and a big credit to the state government. This is because Ebonyi State is controlled by the PDP. Indeed, politicians in the Southeast geo-political zone gave kudos to President Buhari for the visit and Governor Umahi for hosting the president.

The president was conveyed by a Nigerian Air Force helicopter with registration number NAF-540 from Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, in the company of the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Umahi to the army barracks in Nkwagu, Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, at about 11.15 a.m. Chief Umahi was among other Southeast governors who had received him at the Enugu airport.

Speaking at a rousing welcome for him at the Abakaliki stadium the president pledged to address the infrastructure challenges confronting the Southeast zone and pledged to improve agriculture and power supply in the zone when the federal government’s 2018 budget is passed.

He promised to concentrate on power and agriculture projects as well as other social services in the zone when the budget is operational and praised the Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. Umahi for the projects being executed by his administration in the state, describing them as laudable.

Among the initial projects which President Buhari commissioned were a 700-metre twin Trans-Sahara bridge linking Enugu and Ebonyi States
with Cameroon; the Senator Offia Nwali flyover; the 14.5km Abakaliki-Afikpo road; foundation laying of the Ebonyi City Mall; foundation laying of the Muhammadu Buhari Bridge and unveiling of the Akanu Ibiam statue. The president, who was conferred with the chieftaincy titles, Enyioma 1 of Ebonyi, meaning a trustworthy friend of Ebonyi, and Ochioha Ndigbo, meaning the leader of Igbo people, by both the Ebonyi State Council of Traditional Rulers and Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers respectively, expressed appreciation for the titles as well as the warm reception accorded him. He said he was glad for the opportunity to interact with people of the state.

An elated President Buhari said: “I am delighted to be here in Abakaliki to interact with the good people of Ebonyi State and indeed the Southeast region as a whole. I want to express my gratitude to the people of Ebonyi State for their hospitality and warm reception since I arrived the state.

“My presence here today is a demonstration of my strong belief in the unity of Nigeria. As the most populous country in Africa with over 300 ethnic groups, our diversity is almost unique. “When I met with the leaders of the South-east in Abuja last month, they raised several issues of concern including the state of the roads and infrastructure in the region.

“I will like to commend Governor David Umahi for his vision and commitment to the development of this state. Some of the projects I commissioned since my arrival are laudable.

“I am also grateful to the traditional rulers of Ebonyi State for the honour bestowed on me with the traditional title of Enyioma I of Ebonyi. I thank you for this honour and warm reception. “I want to assure you that we will deliver on our promises. Our 2018 budget included many projects for the region in the area of power, agriculture and social services.” …to be continued

Nnachi can be reached via: nnachieddyugbor@gmail.com / 08028535702