Nigerian leader visits SE region amid threats

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday visited the mainly Igbo southeast region and called for national unity, pledging rapid development for the area.

This marks the first time he visited the region gripped by secessionist agitation and anti-Buhari sentiments since his inauguration in 2015.

“My presence here today is a demonstration of my strong belief in the unity of Nigeria,” Buhari said in a speech in southeastern Ebonyi state where he commissioned projects and was honored with two traditional titles.

“As the most populous country in Africa with over 300 ethnic groups, our diversity is almost unique among the nations,” he added.

Many in the southeast region view the president as anti-Igbo, a sentiment built on Buhari’s crackdown aimed at secessionist activists led by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The president denies the claims.

The Igbo are one of Nigeria’s three major ethnic groups. Led by the late army major Odumegwu Ojukwu, a bid in 1967 by the mainly Igbo eastern region to secede from Nigeria culminated in a 30-month civil war that ended in Nigeria’s favor.

Buhari’s visit was preceded by threats of attacks against him by IPOB members.

“I am asking you all not to buy into the senseless propaganda on secession. Igbo is Nigeria and Nigeria is Igbo. Both are inseparable. We must therefore continue to commit ourselves to the development of Nigeria," the president said, listing several projects he plans to undertake in the region.

On Wednesday, Buhari will also visit Anambra, another southeastern state where a governorship election is set to take place on Saturday amid threats of violence by secessionists.