Chidi Samuel || President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday assured Igbo leaders that the zone will benefit more in road projects and coastal rail line projects which are of critical importance to the development of any economy.
The President made the remark while hosting stakeholders from the South East zone at Aso Rock.
According to President Buhari, the projects will be substantially funded through counterpart funding by the Chinese government and when completed will improve the welfare, well being and improvement of economy of 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.
“I thank you for articulating your demands and 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.”
“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.
President Buhari also denied the allegation of marginalisation and under-representation in his administration, stating that whereas the Igbo are in charge of four ministries, the north has seven junior ministers.
He said, ”I gave south-east four substantive ministers — 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.”
The delegation that met with the President was lead by deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, State governors from the South East, Ministers, Ohaneze President, Nnia Nwodo, amongst others.