South East has more presence than the north in my cabinet — Buhari

President Buhari says the South-eastern part of Nigeria has stronger voice in his cabinet compared to the North.

Mr. Buhari said this on Friday at a meeting with leaders from the South-eastern region who visited him at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Mr. Buhari, who was speaking against allegations of marginalisation of people from the South-east by his administration, said, “I gave South-east four substantive ministers in the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Investment, Science and Technology and Labour.

“Seven states in the North got Ministers of State and of the two Ministries headed by your sons, I cannot take any decision on foreign policy and investments without their input,’’ he said.

Mr. Buhari also told the delegation that the South-east region will benefit more from roads and coastal rail projects, which are of critical importance to the economy.

He said the Second Niger Bridge, the East-West Road and the coastal rail project, are receiving utmost attention from his administration.

The president said counterpart funding from the Chinese government would substantially fund these projects, which when completed would improve the welfare, well-being and economy of the people in the region.

“I know the Chinese are very competent in handling such projects and we will ensure that we get the money for the projects to take off,” he said.

– Premium Times