The state administration of Imo State downplayed the threat made by the Indigenous People of Biafra on Saturday in advance of the President, Muhammadu Buhari, visiting the region on Tuesday.
Declan Emelumba, the state’s commissioner for information and strategy, stated that IPOB cannot threaten the president during a news conference on Saturday in Owerri.
Emelumba stated that security personnel were prepared for Buhari’s arrival to the state in response to an IPOB threat to declare a sit-at-home in the state on Tuesday.
“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.
According to the commissioner, Buhari was in the state to dedicate three important initiatives started by former governor Hope Uzodinma.
The Owerri-Okigwe Road’s initial phase, the Owerri-Orlu Road, and the renovated Imo state House of Assembly complex were the projects he listed.
Emelumba said that the state government spent billions to carry out the initiatives, which he claimed will improve the state’s social and economic conditions.
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 will any competition in the world and it was executed in less than two years.
“It took honestly 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.”
