The leadership of Buhari Support Organisation (BSO), Enugu State
Chapter, has outlined some critical infrastructure projects in the
South-East to be included in the $30 billion external borrowing plan for
2016, 2017 and 2018 being worked out by the Federal Government.
The
group pleaded that Enugu coal-to-power project, second Niger Bridge and
Port Harcourt to Maiduguri railway be included in the ‘Buhari
infrastructure renewal.’
In a statement by its publicity
secretary, Eze Chibueze, the group noted that since food security cum
agriculture was part of the major thrust of the President’s
diversification plans, it would be appreciated if the Adani-Anambra rice
project was factored into the programme.
“We
understand that international creditors predicated the facility on the
integrity quotient of Mr. President; most Nigerians are also well
disposed to the loan, knowing fully well that the loan will be prudently
managed and that President Buhari may not borrow again in the next
eight years,” the group stated.
While affirming their full support
for the loan, Enugu BSO noted that the President was handicapped by the
culture of impunity, crumbling oil prices and the unprecedented looting
that caused the general infrastructure deficit.
The group,
however, expressed happiness that a “majority of Nigerians have come to
the inevitable conclusion that without the Buhari infrastructure
renewal, we will remain trapped in gross unemployment, abject poverty
and weak infrastructure.”
It, therefore, appealed to the National
Assembly and indeed all citizens to support the scheme, stressing that
it “remains the only patriotic and viable means to renew our critical,
social and physical infrastructure.”