Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Dave Umahi, has paid a courtesy visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Governor Umahi also paid an unscheduled visit to the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika.

Addressing State House Correspondents shortly after meeting the President, Umahi said he was at the Villa to seek Mr. President’s audience with the rest of the governors and leaders of Ndigbo spanning across all segments of the society to discuss issues affecting the zone.

He disclosed that beyond his request for extension of the runway at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, the issue of security in the region and the nation in general also came to the front burner.

The Governor said he intimated the President with their earlier request for railways and extension of pipelines and gas station to the region as well upgrading the Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri, which has become alternative airport for the people of the zone. He commended the President for giving him audience at the shortest notice, describing him as a father to all.

Umahi lamented that over a period of time now, suspected foreign herdsmen have infiltrated the zone resulting in insecurity such as killing and kidnapping of innocent farmers and other natives and called on the federal government to intensify efforts with the governors of the zone to secure lives and property of the people.

He also sought the approval of the President for speedy commencement of the renovation of the Enugu Airport and upgrading it an international standard by completing the cargo section and her international wing.

Governor Umahi later visited Aviation Minister Sirika to intimate him with his meeting with President Buhari as regards the airport project to commence and be executed in good time and in specification.

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