Founder of Igbo Youth Movement (IYM) Mr. Elliot Uko, has dismissed reports that President Goodluck Jonathan deceived the South-East geo-political zone on the construction of the proposed Second Niger Bridge, noting that the President was fair in his dealings with Ndigbo.

Uko also frowned on what he described as the constant demonization of Jonathan and his wife, describing it as unfair.

Uko in a statement said those behind claims that the President failed the Igbo were political jobbers, seeking attention from the President-elect, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd)

‘’Ndigbo are proud, courageous people whose world view is built on truth and justice. Whereas political hustlers and job seekers have the inalienable right to lobby General Buhari for accommodation in the APC groovy train, such lobbyists certainly do not have the right to tell white lies, especially when they claim to be speaking on behalf of Ndigbo.

‘’No government in Nigeria since 1960 has treated Ndigbo justly or better than the outgoing Jonathan administration. Therefore, people who use the very strong and negative word ‘deception’ in describing President Jonathan’s relationship with Ndigbo as concerning the 2nd Niger Bridge, simple went too far.

‘’The fad of demonizing Jonathan and his wife, especially in the social media, is unjust and uncalled for.

“Ninety-nine per cent of Ndigbo hold that President Jonathan remains the first and only Nigerian leader to give them a sense of belonging since 1966. They also know that he was equally fair to all sections of the country during his five year stewardship.

“Denouncing him so soon is unkind, and un-Igbo. It is not in our character to show such vile ingratitude to the man who truly tried his best in service of his father land,’’ he said.

•Adapted from Vanguard. Photo shows Jonathan.

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