President Bola Tinubu stated on Wednesday that the South-East geopolitical zone remains crucial to the growth and development of Nigeria.
According to Tinubu, all hands must be on deck for the country’s development.
The President, who made the remarks in Owerri during the launch of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign in Imo State, praised the state governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, for his investments in infrastructure.
Represented at the event by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu called on the people of Imo State to rally around Governor Uzodimma’s second term bid, saying his continuity in office was the best option for the people of the state.
Speaking on behalf of the President, VP Shettima said, “Governor Hope Uzodimma has done exceedingly well in terms of infrastructural developments and in terms of value addition to the State of Imo. From the past three to sixteen billion, he increased the IGR to over N30 billion per annum. He has built some state-of-the-art roads here in Imo State, as well as several developmental strides.
“The good people of Imo, I have seen your faces. I have seen the faces of hope; I have seen the faces of resilience and determination. We cannot afford to be complacent on the 11th of next month.
“You should all go out and re-elect our governor for another term of four years for him to complete his noble objectives for the people of Imo State. I want to assure you that the President is solidly 1,000 percent behind Governor Hope Uzodimma. He holds him in the highest esteem.
Shettima further explained that for the purpose of consolidation and continuity, it was important for the people of Imo to rally around Governor Uzodimma and get him re-elected for a second term.
Earlier in the day, Vice President Shettima was greeted by Imo State Governor and hosted by the state’s traditional rulers, led by HRM Eze (Dr) E. C. Okeke, who pledged support for the governor and the Tinubu administration.
Governor Uzodimma remarked during the event that the APC was still the party to beat and that he had exceeded the people’s expectations of him.
He promised to do more than he did in his first term, emphasizing the importance of transparency, equity, and fairness in his administration.
In addition, the party’s national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, urged the people of Imo to be loyal to the party at the centre, citing the governor’s distinguished history.
Other dignitaries who graced the event included the governors of Kwara, Benue, Ogun, Yobe, Cross River, Jigawa, Ebonyi, Sokoto, and Ekiti States, among others.
In attendance also were APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Alh. Ali Bukar Dalori; Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu; Senators Adams Oshiomhole, Osita Izunazo, and Owelle Rochas Okorocha.
Others include Chief Ikedi Ohakim, Prof. Placid Njoku, federal and state legislators, as well as some other party stakeholders.
