Support me in these challenging times, Buhari appeals to Ndi Igbo

President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to the Igbo to support his government.

In the 2015 presidential election, the Igbo voted overwhelmingly for former President Goodluck Jonathan. And they are ardent critics of his government.

Buhari made the appeal in a congratulatory message to Nnia Nwodo, the new president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation.

“President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates Chief John Nwodo on his election as the president-general of Ohaneze Ndigbo, the pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation,” a statement issued by Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, on Wednesday, read.

“President Buhari believes that Chief Nwodo is eminently qualified for the job given his long years of distinguished service to the nation, which includes, minister of civil aviation in the second republic under President Shehu Shagari and Minister of information and culture during the administration of General Abdulsalami Abubakar.

“As Chief Nwodo prepares to settle down with his team to implement his vision for Ohaneze Ndigbo, the president appeals to Ndi Igbo as well as the wider community of Nigerians to support the new leadership to fulfil their mandate in these challenging times.

“President Buhari looks forward to working with the new leadership, and assures Ohaneze Ndigbo that his administration will continue to be a partner-in-progress in implementing suggestions, measures and programmes to advance the unity, development and prosperity of Nigeria.

“The president wishes the Chief Nwodo-led Ohaneze Ndigbo a peaceful and prosperous tenure.”