Buhari to Igbo leaders: 7 northern states produced junior ministers but your sons are in charge of 4 ministries

President Muhammadu Buhari has denied the allegations of under-representation of Igbo in his government.

Speaking at the presidential villa in Abuja during a meeting with stakeholders from the region, Buhari said while four south-easterners are heads of ministries, seven northerners were made junior ministers.

“I gave south-east four substantive ministers — the ministries of foreign affairs, trade and investment, science and technology and labour,” he said.

“Seven states in the north got ministers of state and of the two ministries headed by your sons; I cannot take any decision on foreign policy and investments without their input.”

The president also promised the Igbo leaders that the region would benefit more from roads and coastal rail projects, which are of critical importance to the economy.

He said counterpart funding from the Chinese government would substantially fund the projects, which when completed would improve the welfare, well-being and economy of the people in the region.

“I know the Chinese are very competent in handling such projects and we will ensure that we get the money for the projects to take off,” he said.

“I thank you for articulating your demands and I want to assure that we are doing our best for the country. If we can stop people from stealing, then there will be more resources to put into projects that will create employment for Nigerians.”

The president also promised the leaders, comprising governors and ministers from the region, the president of Ohanaeze, Nnia Nwodo and representatives from the national assembly, that he will visit states in the zone soon.

“I want to assure you that I came into government with a clear conscience and I will also leave with a clear conscience,’’ he said.