Theodore Orji: Jonathan, A Success Story For South East Nigeria

“We want to put it on record that the commencement of work on the second Niger bridge is just one of the many benefits the Federal Government is conferring on our Region at this time.”

Today, we witness the making of history, and a promise being fulfilled to the people of the South-East Geopolitical Region, as our dear President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR – flags-off the commencement of construction-work on the second Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State. Our people sincerely welcome Mr. President and his entourage on this historic occasion.

The Niger Bridge is an important GATEWAY TO Onitsha and other commercial cities in the South-East Region and for several years the first bridge has borne the heavy traffic-flow that pass through the bridge as a result of the increasing commercial activities in our region, which has continued to contribute immensely to the economy of this Nation. This wear and tear on the first bridge has necessitated the urgent cries of our people for a second bridge; and for many years our people have put this demand on the front seat of our priority demands from the Federal Government.

Mr. President promised to attend to our request, and true to your promise to our people, you are here to flag-off the construction of this second bridge across the Niger. The entire people of the South-East Region are grateful for your magnanimity, and assure you of our cooperation and supports at all times.

We want to put it on record that the commencement of work on the second Niger bridge is just one of the many benefits the Federal Government is conferring on our Region at this time. We are currently witnessing the on-going work at the Enugu-Umuahia-Port Harcourt Expressway, and the declaration of a state of emergency on the restoration of all federal roads in the South-East Region by the Honourable Minister for Works, Mike Onolomemen.

We urge the Federal Government to concentrate on these projects to ensure their completion before 2015, so as to deepen the special positions they have on the hearts of Ndi-Igbo, who have resolved on their own to support Mr President if he decides to run for re-election in 2015.

The South-East Region and Ndigbo believe that Mr. President means well for Nigerians and our people. You have enthroned equity in the Nigerian political system and given hope that all marginalized groups in the Nation, can find anchor and realization of their interests within a United and equitable Nigeria. That is why our region will do whatever it takes to work closely with you, so that equity, fairness and parity is achieved in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Today, as you have shown in many occasions, you have again demonstrated that you are one President of the Nation, a change agent of transformation – that keeps your promise to the marginalized and the entire Nation. And as you flag-off the construction of this second Niger Bridge, our region is already counting on the blessings of accelerated economic benefits, and see new reasons to believe in you and the successful completion of this project in no distant date.

I want to thank you once more for the event of today, for keeping your promise to the people of the South-East Region, and for the hope you bring to the lives of many Nigerians that this Nation will remain a land of opportunities for every citizen.

May God bless you for all you have been doing.

Thank you.

The Speech was presented by Governor Theodore Orji of Abia on March 10 at the flag-off ceremony of the Second Niger Bridge by President Goodluck Jonathan