The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that streets in the capital city wore new looks with different security personnel seen at strategic locations.
The security personnel on guard comprised soldiers, policemen, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel.
Some residents said they hope to benefit from the visit of the President by presenting problems affecting the zone to Buhari and give them a sense of belonging.
The Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, yesterday announced the planned visit of the President.
He said the President is scheduled to commission projects executed by his administration including the King David University of Medical Sciences and King David University Twin Flyover; Margaret Umahi International Market; International Market Ring Road; International Market Twin Flyover; Uburu-Mpu dualised road; President Muhammadu Buhari 4-way Light Tunnel; State Shopping Mall; New Government House; New Governor’s Office and New State Executive Council Chambers.
He stated: “We acknowledge with the deepest appreciation, your fatherly love and support to Ebonyi State like you do extend to other States irrespective of their party affiliations and which has made our modest achievements possible.
“As we welcome you and your entourage to the Salt of the Nation, please accept always, the assurances of the best regards of the Government and people of Ebonyi State.”
Meanwhile, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has called for peace and security ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Ebonyi State.
In a statement issued at the end of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Elders Council meeting held in Abakaliki yesterday and signed by the secretary-general of the association, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the group said for translucence and clarity of purpose, President Mohammadu Buhari had been fair to Ndigbo with federal projects.
Mazi Isiguzoro said irrespective of the fact that his party’s fortunes declined and acceptance in 2015 and 2019 elections in the southeast, the chairman of Southeast Governors and Ebonyi Governor, Chief David Umahi, has brought good tidings.
He stated that Governor Umahi has paid huge sacrifices for Ndigbo to access the presidency and attract federal government’s projects and attention to the southeast zone,”
He said the elders council was presided over by Prince Dr. Richard Ozobu adding that this was the best opportunity for Igbo leaders with the southeast governors to dialogue with President Buhari over the release of the IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kalu.
“Ndigbo’s expectations are that such windows of opportunities must be fully utilized for positive results as President Buhari will be received warmly by Ndigbo. This will be one of the most remarkable visits of Mr. President to the southeast, as we except that the President’s two days working visit to Ebonyi State will change the narratives that Buhari loves Ndigbo.”
The Ohanaeze scribe said President Buhari would prove his love for Nd’Igbo by kick-starting the process that will release Nnamdi Kanu.
“IPOB and other Biafra agitators should hold their peace and remain loyal to the procedure that will help them achieve the release of their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“Buhari’s visit will usher in fresh hopes of having a Nigerian President of Igbo extraction and secure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, we are conscious of the fact that Ipob is cognizant of the process of releasing their leader is ongoing”
“Their proper attitudes and conduct are expected to solidify the process of Kanu’s release, we are welcoming President Buhari with an open mind and wish him a pleasant stay in Ebonyi State.”
