IPOB can’t threaten Buhari’s visit, says Imo govt

Ahead of the visit of the president, Muhammadu Buhari to Imo State on Tuesday, the state government on Saturday dismissed the threat issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra.

At a press conference in Owerri on Saturday, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, said that IPOB can’t threaten the president.

Emelumba, who was reacting to a threat issued by IPOB declaring a sit-at-home in the state on Tuesday, said that security operatives were ready for Buhari’s visit to the state.

“Nobody can threaten Buhari. He is president and commander in chief of the federal republic of Nigeria. Imo is one of the states he governs and he is free to visit it. Security is in top gear and I can assure you that his visit will be successful,” he said.

The commissioner said that Buhari was visiting the state to inaugurate three signature projects built by governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration.

He mentioned the projects as the first phase of the Owerri- Okigwe Road, the Owerri- Orlu Road and the rebuilt Imo state House of Assembly complex.

Emelumba said that the projects would boost the economic and social life of the state, adding that the state government spent billions to execute them.

He said, “Mr president is coming to commission Owerri- Okigwe Road, Owerri- Orlu Road and the house of Assembly complex on September 13. These are signature projects built by the governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration.

“Previous governments failed to build them. The Orlu- Owerri is a quality dual carriage road. 35 kilometres, spotless and can win any competition in the world and it was executed in less than two years.

“It took honesty and determination by the governor to fix the road. This will change the economy of the state. It will enhance the economic and social activities of the state.

“The House of Assembly complex was rebuilt completely. It was abandoned for ten years. The lawmakers abandoned the place for their safety, which is not a good sign for democracy.

“Uzodinma spent billions to rebuild Imo Assembly complex and it has State of art facilities. These are signature projects. Imo people are excited for the coming of Buhari. The impacts and transformation they will bear in the economy of the State are commendable.

“Security is tight. Nobody can threaten Buhari. Security is absolutely guaranteed. Imo hasn’t been crime-free. Security has improved in the state. We are going to have a successful reception for Mr president.”