Details from Gen.Buhari’s maiden visit to Imo state as Pres-elect.
The President – elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Gen. Muhammadu Burhari was in Owerri, the Imo State capital, yesterday (7th April, 2015) to appreciate the people for their support during the just concluded presidential election, and to assure them that votes will count in the forthcoming governorship and State Assembly elections.
General Buhari who addressed party leaders, traditional and religious leaders, women and youth leaders as well as other stakeholders in Imo State,restated that his administration will tackle the problems of insecurity, depreciation of the Naira and corruption. These he said, had remained a vicious circle militating against the growth and development of Nigeria as a nation.
He regretted that the Igbos especially the business men are the worst hit as the Naira depreciated and promised to restore the value of naira as quickly as possible; while he commended the Igbo race for their roles in the unity and economic growth of the country.
General Buhari further urged Imo people to work towards ensuring a resounding victory for Governor Rochas Okorocha and other State Assembly candidates of the APC to guarantee a political culture of efficiency and delivery.
Earlier, The Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha commended both the President – elect and President Goodluck Jonathan for ther concern for the continued peace and unity of the nation.
He reminded Nigerians that the election of General Buhari is in the best interest of the nation as it will bring to an end to the polarization among the different ethnic and religious groups that existed in the country, as well as end the insurgence in the north East and corruption that has eaten deep into the fabric of the nation.
Governor Okorocha used the occasion to appeal to Mr. President – elect to grant a level playing ground to the Igbos especially as it concerns custom harassment and incessant changing of tariffs which had affected imported goods.
Owelle Okorocha equally requested for the upgrade of the Imo International Cargo Airport, The construction of Onitsha – Enugu Express road and the 2nd Niger Bridge which he said were mere promises by the previous government and ‘’ had remained a theoretical fabrication which has never reflected any practical reality.”
The event witnessed a harvest of large number of defected members from other political parties into the fold of All Progressive Congress (APC).