Nonsochukwu Uwa, Owerri
Markets, shops and banks were Tuesday shut down in compliance with the sit-at-home order of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, as President Muhammadu Buhari visited Imo State to inaugurate some projects.
The sit-at-home order issued by IPOB was in solidarity with their detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who appeared in court on Tuesday.
Ikengaonline observed that key streets including Wethedral Road, Tetlow, Egbu, Akwakuma and Amakohia roads were empty.
Similarly, Owerri-Port Harcourt Road, Owerri-Aba, and Owerri-Onitsha roads among others, were also deserted.
However, the President who visited the state was to inaugurate three projects namely, Owerri-Orlu Road; phase 1 of Owerri-Okigwe Road; and the refurbished Imo State House of Assembly complex.
He travelled to different locations of the projects where he was received by crowds.
The phase 1 of the Owerri-Okigwe Road was inaugurated at Amaraku Junction in the Isiala Mbano Council Area while Owerri-Orlu Road was inaugurated at Banana Junction in Orlu Council Area.
The refurbished Imo State House of Assembly complex along Port Harcourt Road was also inaugurated by the President.
President Buhari, who spoke briefly said: “I am delighted to be in Imo State on this occasion, I appreciate the good people of Imo State. I learnt that name of the Imo State Governor, Uzodimma, means “good road” and I am happy with what the All Progressives Congress, APC, government is doing at the federal level, including the construction of the Second Niger Bridge.
“I am happy about what the Uzodimma’s administration of APC, is doing In Imo State, even with scarce resources. I remember, on my last visit, I advised you to support your Governor and you took my advice and that is why we are seeing these projects.
“After going around, I prefer to call it infrastructure revolution. So, we will continue to deliver because we have seen what you have done within a short period.”
In his remarks, Governor Uzodimma thanked Buhari for visiting the state again to inaugurate projects.
He said: “Imo people are delighted to have you in our presence today. Our joy has no bounds for accepting to come and commission projects in Imo State. Today’s event will serve as another testament of our commitment to serving the Imo people.
“35-killometer Owerri-Orlu Road has solved the Njaba/Umucha gully erosion which was promised under the Shehu Shagari administration but unfortunately, it was not fulfilled. It cuts across seven local government areas of the state. Traders and farmers are now happy with the road.
“52-kilometre Owerri/Okigwe Road, experienced the same abandonment. The journey used to take two to three hours; especially the issue of flood at the Ekemele Akabo axis. After this commissioning of the first phase, the second phase will be completed by January next year.
“In less than three years my administration has done 105 roads in the state. Our goal is to leave Imo State better than we met it. I will continue to serve Imo people with dedication and honesty.”
Adding his voice, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Professor George Obiozor, identified security and infrastructure as very important to the South-East.
“The two things that are of greater importance to us in the South East region, are the issue of insecurity and infrastructure. We want the growth and development of our zone.
“We wish to say that our people are committed to the Nigeria project. We desire a country that will allow us to contribute our best to the growth of the country and seek justice.”
