A delegation of the All Progressives Congress leaders from the Southeast on Monday met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja and asked him to support zoning of the presidency to the region in 2023.
They also reaffirmed the unanimous decision of the party in the zone on December 31, 2017 endorsing Buhari for a second term in office.
The delegation, led by Science and Technology Minister Ogbonnaya Onu, comprises former Senate President Ken Nnamani, former Ebonyi State Governor Martins Elechi, Senator Andy Uba, Senator Ben Uwajimogu, former governor of old Anambra State Jim Nwobodo, Senator Nkechi Nworgu, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, former Labour Minister Emeka Wogu, Senator Uche Ekwunife, Hon. Tony Nwoye, among others.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Hon. Emma Eneukwu, National Vice Chairman, South East APC, said: ‘‘It is our conviction that four years is not enough for you to complete this worthy journey hence the need for another four years to enable you make Nigeria truly great.
"We implore Mr President, as a just and fair-minded leader, to make history by supporting the zoning of the office of the President in our great party to the South East at the end of your second tenure in office as President in 2023."
He thanked Buhari for the several projects receiving attention of the Federal Government in the South East including, 2nd Niger Bridge, Enugu-Port Harcourt road as well as the Enugu-Onitsha –Owerri road, among others.
Responding, President Buhari said he would take decisions with a clear conscience and do the best he could do for all Nigerians.
‘‘I assure you that whatever I try to do, I will do it with a clear conscience and I’ll do the best I can do for all Nigerians,’’ Buhari said.
He thanked the delegation for their patriotism, sacrifices and support for the peace and stability of the country.
He commended the Southeast leaders for acknowledging the laudable and consistent efforts of his administration to restore Nigeria to the position of eminence.
‘‘I am very pleased for your patriotism and consistency in supporting our administration. You are always going around explaining things even at the risk of abuse.