President Muhammadu Buhari says he finds it unthinkable that any Igbo man would consider himself not part of Nigeria.
A statement by the president’s spokesman Femi Adesina disclosed that Buhari made the remark during a town hall meeting with Igbo leaders in Imo State on Thursday.
Buhari said Igbos are fundamental to Nigeria’s growth and economy.
“The fundamental thing about the Igbo people is that there is no town you will visit in Nigeria without seeing the Igbos being in charge of either infrastructure or pharmaceutical industry,” he said.
“Therefore, it is unthinkable for me that any Igbo man would consider himself not to be a part of Nigeria.
“The evidence is there for everyone to see that Igbos are in charge of Nigeria’s economy.”
The president assured south-easterners that they stand to benefit more from his administration.
Buhari visited Imo despite threats of attack by the separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In June, Buhari described IPOB as a “dot in a circle” during an interview on Arise TV.
“That IPOB is just like a dot in a circle. Even if they want to exit, they will have no access to anywhere.
“And the way they are spread all over the country, having businesses and properties, I don’t think IPOB knows what they are talking about,” he had said.