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| Buhari receiving some South-East leaders in Abuja. With him is VP Osinbajo |
President Muhammadu Buhari says the South-eastern part of Nigeria has stronger voice in his cabinet compared to the North.
Mr. Buhari said this on Friday at a meeting with leaders from the South-eastern region who visited him at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Mr. Buhari, who was speaking against allegations of marginalisation of people from the South-east by his administration, 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.
Mr. Buhari also told the delegation that the South-east region will benefit more from roads and coastal rail projects, which are of critical importance to the economy.
He said the Second Niger Bridge, the East-West Road and the coastal rail project, are receiving utmost attention from his administration.
The president said counterpart funding from the Chinese government would substantially fund these projects, which when completed would improve the welfare, well-being and economy of the people in the region.
“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,” he said.
Mr. Buhari thanked the leaders for the visit and assured them that their demands will be met.
“…I want to assure that we are doing our best for the country. If we can stop people from stealing, then there will be more resources to put into projects that will create employment for Nigerians,’’ the president said.
The president also promised the leaders, led by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, and comprising of governors and ministers from the region,as well as the President of Ohanaeze, John Nwodo, and representatives from the National Assembly, that he will visit states in the zone soon.
“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.
Earlier, Mr. Nwodo, while articulating the demands of the zone to the president, highlighted the issue of state creation, restructuring, federal projects in the South-east namely Enugu-Onitsha road, Enugu-Port Harcourt road and Aba-Ikot-Ekpene road, among others.
Mr. Nwodo also demanded urgent presidential interventions on the Enugu Airport, reticulation of the gas-pipelines in the South-east and the standard gauge plan for railway construction.
Commending the president’s achievements on security and the fight against corruption, Mr. Nwodo said, “We are ready to work with you. We are determined to work with you. We know you are a decisive leader and we know God will continue to give you the wisdom to govern Nigeria.’’
Also speaking, Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State expressed satisfaction on the outcome of their discussions with the president on critical issues and topics affecting the region.
“You have no hatred for any state. You have treated all states with equality. What one state gets in the north, the other gets in the south,’’ the governor said, referring to budget support facility and stabilisation fund released to states and local governments since the inception of the administration.
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