Group Commends Jonathan, Obi On 2nd Niger Bridge, Demands Headship Of Customs Or Prisons

The Coalition of Igbo Elders (CIE) has commended President Goodluck Jonathan over the flag-off of the 2nd Niger Bridge and his assurances that the funding for the project had been seamlessly worked out.

In a statement by the group signed by its Chairman, Chief Julius Onyebuchi and made available to the press in Awka, the group said the South-East and, indeed the entire Nigerians would remember president Jonathan for embarking on the critical 2nd Niger bridge, noting that when others played politics with it that it was only Jonathan that had shown true and genuine commitment to the project.

The group also commended the firmer Governor of Anambra State for what it called his unrelenting efforts towards ensuring that the Bridge was awarded and flagged off.

Recalling the upgrade of Akanu Ibiam Airport to international airport and the commencement of full operations therein, as well as massive upgrade of infrastructure in the place, the group assured him of the support of the South-Easterners, especially towards the realisation of his second term bid.

Further, the group appealed to Jonathan to consider an Igbo man to head the Customs or Prisons, arguing that it is not good for 'Zone balancing', that Igbos are not heading any security agency or paramilitary organisation.

'It is on record that it was under President Goodluck Jonathan that Igbos were integrated into Nigeria after the civil war, for which we remain grateful. We shall thankfully remember him for appointing the first Igbo man to head the army after the civil war. Since these people have retired, we also appeal to him to look for competent Igbos to head the Customs or Prisons as a further way of reassuring us that his is out to promote justice and equity at all times. On our own part, we assure him of 98% votes of our people when the chips are down,' the group said.