Buhari denies neglecting Ndigbo saying he will fulfill all the promises he made to the southeast

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has denied that his government is neglecting any part of the nation and has promised the people of the southeast geo-political zone that his administration will fulfil every promise he made to them.

Since assuming office in 2015, President Buhari has come under attack for neglecting the Igbo-speaking southeast geo-political zone both in terms of appointments and when it comes to government infrastructure. This perceived marginalisation has spurred the growth of the separatist group the Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob) and other secessionist movements, which are agitating for Ndigbo to create an independent nation state.

Among other things, President Buhari has been criticised for a comment he once made saying those who only gave him 5% of the vote should not expect to be treated the same way as those who gave him 95% of the vote. With elections looming in February, however, the president appears to be offering the southeast an olive branch by promising to now attend to their needs.

Speaking in Imo State yesterday, President Buhari, who spoke through the minister of water resources, Suleiman Adamu, during the inauguration of a multi-billion naira water project in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area, he said he loves Igbo people. In his address, the president said that the people of the southeast geo-political zone should be rest assured that he would fulfil every promise he made to them.

Mr Adamu said: “President Muhammadu Buhari holds Igbo people in high esteem and will do everything within his reach and power to fulfil his promises to the people of the region. This water project, which was initiated by Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu was appropriated in the 2019 budget estimate."

According to Mr Adamu, the project will make clean water available to the people of Ehime Mbano Local Government Area. Senator Uwajumogu used his address at the event to state that his constituents would support President Buhari’s re-election bid.