Igbo youths worldwide have promised to welcome President Muhammadu Buhari when he visits Imo State on Thursday, dismissing a threat earlier issued by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra over the President’s visit.
President Buhari during the visit will commission projects by administration of incumbent Governor Hope Uzodinma.
The New Diplomat had earlier reported that this is Buhari’s first working visit to Imo State since he took office in 2005, and this is the first time in 12 years since a president last visited Imo State on a working visit.
A statement signed by Onwuasoanya Jones, Deputy National Leader Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Youth Wing said: “The President is not coming for a jamboree but for serious businesses that every true Imo and Igbo son or daughter should look forward to.”
Onwuasoanya added that “This visit is especially significant given the recent communication from the governor of Imo State, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, to the effect that the President is coming to put final seals on some strategic federal government interventions and partnerships which the Imo State government has agreed with the Federal Government.
“Also, a line-up of people-oriented and audacious projects are scheduled to be unveiled and inaugurated for the use of Imo people and our comfort, notwithstanding our political or social leanings.
Onwuasoanya noted that the President will hold a town hall meeting with the citizens of the state.
“The President is also billed to hold a town hall meeting with all classes of people from across Igbo land, including, the youths, traditional institution, traders, artisans, religious leaders and the political class.
“This town hall meeting shall allow anyone or group to ask the President any questions or ventilate whatever might be our personal or group grievances and hopefully, the President shall take adequate note of these questions, observations and complaints.” He said.
Meanwhile, the Imo Government has warned that any person or group planning to cause a breach of the peace would face the full wrath of the law.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr Declan Emelumba, said this during a news briefing in Owerri on Wednesday.
He said security has been beefed up in the state ahead of Thursday’s planned visit by President Buhari.
Emelumba said the government will ensure that there is no security breach in any part of the state during the visit.
“Imo stands to benefit immensely from the visit,” he said, adding that Gov. Hope Uzodimma should be commended for making the visit possible.
The commissioner said that part of the president’s visit will include a closed-door meeting with “select leadership” of the South-Eastern states.
He also said the president will inaugurate some completed projects.
The projects to be commissioned by President Buhari include the first phase of the Naze-Ihiagwa-Nekede Link Road and a drainage system designed to check perennial flooding in Owerri.
He will also inaugurate the Egbeada Bypass, built to check traffic congestion in Owerri metropolis and the new Government House executive chamber.
