Buhari's Inauguration of 2nd Niger Bridge Receives Praise from Soludo, Ngige, Uzodinma, and More

 President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated the Second Niger Bridge amidst praise from prominent Igbo figures in the South East zone, including Prof Chukwuma Soludo, Chris Ngige, and Senator Hope Uzodinma, among others.

From the comfort of Aso Villa in Abuja, the nation's capital, President Buhari virtually performed the inauguration, granting access to motorists traveling from Asaba in Delta State to Onitsha in Anambra State.

Expressing his delight in providing the bridge, the President stated in his address before the inauguration that it would stimulate economic growth for the people.

He remarked, "Infrastructure investment plays a crucial role in lifting people out of poverty. This underscores our administration's commitment to the well-being of our citizens. The Second Niger Bridge is now a reality, enhancing business efficiency and ensuring timely services. It is my great honor to open this bridge to the public, a testament to the long-term transformation we promised."

The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, who attended the commissioning ceremony, hailed the bridge as a symbol of development and hinted that it might bear the name of President Muhammadu Buhari.

He stated, "The Muhammadu Buhari 2nd Niger Bridge exemplifies how Buhari's policies intersect with the needs of the people, reducing travel time by half and eradicating multidimensional poverty."

Meanwhile, the commissioning of the bridge brought immense joy to numerous notable Igbo individuals. Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, described it as a transformative change that would stimulate prosperity and economic growth in the South-East region.

Soludo expressed personal elation as the South-East had long advocated for infrastructural development. He declared, "President Buhari, the South-East will remember your tenure. Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, rightfully deserves the title 'Mr. Infrastructure.' This is indeed a promise fulfilled. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for connecting Anambra, Asaba, and Delta."

Similarly, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State praised President Buhari for completing the Second Niger Bridge and other infrastructure projects in the South-East, despite the region not voting for the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).

Uzodinma stated, "For years, we pleaded with multiple administrations, yet these projects remained unfinished. The condition of the First Niger Bridge sometimes traps our people for five days or more during their journeys home for Christmas and other festivities. We thank President Buhari for delivering these projects, even though we did not give him our votes. He is a hero to me and the people of the South-East."

In his address, Senator Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and Employment, emphasized that the Buhari administration would be remembered in the Southern part of Nigeria for its projects, which would reduce the cost of governance and transportation.