Nwoha Amaechi, a former speaker of Imo House of Assembly, says the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari, billed for Thursday September 9 would afford him first-hand information on the challenges of the state.

Mr Amaechi, who was recently nominated as Federal Commissioner, National Assembly Service Commission for South East, said this when he spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

“For this whole week and beyond, there will be federal presence and focus on Imo and it will be a great opportunity for the state.

“The president will have first-hand information on the ground assessment of the problems of the people and from there make concrete commitments and promises that will benefit the state,” he said.

Mr Amaechi said that the presidential visit to states was critical to attract federal attention to them.

“Such visit does not come often, because it comes with a lot of multiplier effects derivable with such presidential presence,” he said.

Mr Buhari is expected to commission projects executed by Governor Hope Uzodinma during his visit.

The former speaker said that the visit was a testimony of the performance of Mr Uzodinma in his short stay in office.

He explained that the governor has demonstrated political courage and responsibility towards the restoration of peace and security in the state.

“The President’s visit will help Nigerians, especially Imo people to know how far the government has gone in rebuilding dilapidated infrastructure, enhancing social development and boosting commerce and industry,” Mr Amaechi said.

The former speaker identified projects such as the underground tunnel and surface drainage system on Dick Tiger Junction, as one of numerous projects to be commissioned by the President. 

Since the supreme court handed him the governorship of Imo, Mr Uzodinma has faced a crisis of legitimacy as resistance to his administration mounted from opposition and the secessionist group, Indigenous People of Biafra.

A visit by Mr Buhari, who seldomly leaves his Abuja abode for functions in the southern parts of the country, could boost Mr Uzodinma’s claims to the presidency’s backing.

(NAN)