Ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Imo State, the youth wing of the Igbo socio-political organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged youths in the State to come out in their numbers to welcome Buhari on Thursday, Igbere TV reports.
Onwuasoanya FCC Jones, Deputy National Leader of the youth wing of Ohanaeze, said Igbo youths would welcome Buhari to Imo State and extend all the hospitality he needs.
Jones urged security agents to deal with anybody or group found attacking residents who come out to welcome Buhari to Imo State.
This was contrary to claims by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, that Buhari is not welcomed to the State.
IPOB had declared a sit-at-home in protest against the President’s visit to the State.
However, Jones said Igbo youths should file out to welcome the President because his visit is business-oriented and not for a jamboree.
In a statement he signed, Jones said: “As we are all aware, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, shall be in Imo on an official working visit on the 9th of September, 2021.
“The President’s visit to Imo is his first working visit to the State since taking office in 2015 and the first time the State is hosting a President on working visit since 2009.
It is delightful to note that the President is not coming for a jamboree but for serious businesses that every true Imo nay Igbo son or daughter should look forward to.
“It is on the strength of the above that Igbo youths, worldwide have resolved, not only to welcome the President to the Eastern Heartland, Imo, but to also come out in their numbers to give the President the hospitality he deserves within the period he is in Imo.
“May I reiterate that Igbo youths are peace-loving, hardworking and honourable people and would, therefore, not bring themselves to take part in any act that aims to disrupt this important State event.
Anyone or group of people found to be involved in any act aimed at disrupting this State visit or harassing those who wish to participate should be treated as invaders and or felons and not doing so on behalf of Ndigbo or Igbo the youths.”
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