Thousands of Igbo youths from over the country have pledged to greet President Muhammadu Buhari in Imo State on Thursday when he arrives to commission projects by Governor Hope Uzodinma.
Deputy National Leader Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Youth Wing Onwuasoanya Jones made this known in a statement released today.
On Thursday, September 9, 2021, reports indicate that President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, would be in Imo state on an official corporate visit.
This is the President’s first working visit to Imo state since he took office in 2015, and the first time Imo state has hosted a President on a working visit since 2009.
People harassing people who want to welcome the President to Imo state will be handled as intruders, not Igbos, Onwuasoanya said.
“The President is not coming for a jamboree but for serious businesses that every true Imo state nay Igbo son or daughter should look forward to”, he said.
“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 lineup 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.”
When it comes to interaction with Imo state locals, Onwuashoanya notes that the President holds sessions with traders and market women as well as religious leaders and any other group with important questions and observations.
Onwuasgoanya said, “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.”
It’s not just a Jamboree, says Onwuasoanya, but a visit that every Igbo son and daughter should be looking forward to.
He said, “It is delighting to note that the President is not coming for a jamboree but for serious businesses that every true Imo nay Igbo son or daughter should look forward to.
“It is on the strength of the above that Igbo youths and leaders, worldwide have resolved, not only to welcome the President to the Eastern Heartland, Imo state but to also come out in their numbers to give the President, the hospitality he deserves within the period is in Imo state.
“May I reiterate that Igbo youths are peace-loving, hardworking, and honorable people and would therefore not bring themselves to take part in any activity that aims to disrupt this important State event.”
Igbo people will be treated as invaders if they try to disrupt the presidential visit, he said.
“Anyone or group of people found to be involved in any act aimed at disrupting this State visit or harassing those who wish to participate, should be treated as invaders and or felons and not doing so on behalf of Ndigbo or Igbo youths,” he said.
