Igbo group urges Buhari to fulfill promise to South East

Notwithstanding the fact that the region failed to vote for him in the just concluded March 28 Presidential poll, a pro-democracy group, the Igbo Conversational Group (ICG), has urged the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, to fulfill promises he made to the Igbo people during his campaign.

The call is contained in a statement issued on Friday by the President of the group, Chief Ikedi Ohakim.

The statement quoted Ohakim as demanding for the completion of ongoing developmental projects and establishment of new ones in the South East zone.

According to him, there is need to ensure the immediate take-off of the Aba Integrated Power Project to boost economic activities in the region.

He appealed to the incoming administration to review the 85 per cent of property belonging to Igbo but classified as abandoned property in Rivers 45 years ago.

He said ``the Igbo wants the incoming administration to look into this matter as top priority.’’

The president of the group also urged Buhari to ensure the revitalisation of the proposed sea port in Osemoto in Imo.

He said ``Osemoto and Oseakwa in Anambra have the deepest natural harbour in the country which will offer naval and marine transport platforms if developed.

``They will serve as strategic hub for oil and gas industry and inland dry docking to promote trade and create employment.

``Above all, it will open the Igbo land to the sea.’’

Ohakim also called for the completion of the Otuocha-Mmiata-Kogi 150-kilometer road, as well as rehabilitation of all federal roads in the South East.

According to him, the road, when completed, will knock off three hours from every journey from the south east to Abuja.

He restated the need for the President-Elect to address issues of additional states in the South East, adding that ``happily, it is one of the issues the President-Elect promised to look into

during his interaction with Ndi Igbo in Onitsha.’’

He commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his patriotism in deepening democracy in the country, saying Nigerians would remember him for steadfastly upholding democratic ethics and allowing political space for every player.

``President Jonathan came to power when the nation was in a big quagmire.

``And it is to his credit that the country had a smooth transition following the sudden demise of his predecessor, late President Umaru Yar' Adua.

``We salute him for his courage in conceding defeat and ask him to remain available for the country to tap from his experience.’’