Perturbed by the recent endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan by the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the All Progressives Congress, APC, in South-East geopolitical zone, yesterday, took a swipe at the leadership of the group, calling on it to desist from mortgaging the future of Igbo.
Spokesperson of APC in the zone and chieftain of Ohanaeze, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, wondered why the group should endorse Jonathan, when the 2nd Niger Bridge his administration promised to build was not in the budget.
He said: “Jonathan, in 2011, promised to revamp Enugu Coal facility to complement electricity generation. Till today, it remains a campaign promise.
“If he had fulfilled the promises, jobs would have been created and it will have a multiplier effect on the economy of the zone.
“Look at the Enugu Airport, his administration has been mouthing as international. He has not provided the necessary parameters to make it an international airport.
“These parameters include making Enugu a trade free zone. Our people should not be deceived any longer. How many international carriers fly in and out of Enugu? It is because it remains a mantra that the airport is international.
“Look at the 2nd Niger Bridge; if built, it will be the only bridge in the country that is a toll fee bridge, but funds for the construction is not in the budget.
“Our people will pay for the construction. Go to Loko/Owede Bridge linking River, Benue to Nasarawa which is of the same size and length with the 2nd Niger Bridge. It is nearing completion because Jonathan put it in the budget three years ago.
“How can Ohanaeze say they are endorsing a man who does not love the Igbo? Why will Igbo pay for the construction of the 2nd Niger Bridge? Why will they construct the bridge with borrowed funds?
“Look at electricity tariff in south-east. It is the highest nationwide. The manufacturers in the region are threatening to pull out.
“Jonathan had to award the electricity of the zone to Enugu Electric Distribution Company, EEDC, that failed in the biding process. Ohanaeze leadership is self-serving and that’s a pity.”
Spokesperson of APC in the zone and chieftain of Ohanaeze, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, wondered why the group should endorse Jonathan, when the 2nd Niger Bridge his administration promised to build was not in the budget.
He said: “Jonathan, in 2011, promised to revamp Enugu Coal facility to complement electricity generation. Till today, it remains a campaign promise.
“If he had fulfilled the promises, jobs would have been created and it will have a multiplier effect on the economy of the zone.
“Look at the Enugu Airport, his administration has been mouthing as international. He has not provided the necessary parameters to make it an international airport.
“These parameters include making Enugu a trade free zone. Our people should not be deceived any longer. How many international carriers fly in and out of Enugu? It is because it remains a mantra that the airport is international.
“Look at the 2nd Niger Bridge; if built, it will be the only bridge in the country that is a toll fee bridge, but funds for the construction is not in the budget.
“Our people will pay for the construction. Go to Loko/Owede Bridge linking River, Benue to Nasarawa which is of the same size and length with the 2nd Niger Bridge. It is nearing completion because Jonathan put it in the budget three years ago.
“How can Ohanaeze say they are endorsing a man who does not love the Igbo? Why will Igbo pay for the construction of the 2nd Niger Bridge? Why will they construct the bridge with borrowed funds?
“Look at electricity tariff in south-east. It is the highest nationwide. The manufacturers in the region are threatening to pull out.
“Jonathan had to award the electricity of the zone to Enugu Electric Distribution Company, EEDC, that failed in the biding process. Ohanaeze leadership is self-serving and that’s a pity.”
