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.”

•Text courtesy of The Guardian. Photo shows the Second Niger Bridge.

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