South East governors have named Second Niger Bridge after President Muhammadu Buhari.
This was disclosed by Buhari Sallau, the president’s personal assistant on media, who in a Facebook post wrote, “following consultations, the governors of the south-east have agreed that the second Niger Bridge shall be named the Muhammadu Buhari Second Niger Bridge.”
Also, Bashir Ahmad, special assistant on digital communication to Buhari, on Tuesday, announced that the 1.6 km long bridge has been named after the president.
“The name is now being officiated. Thank God for our brand new Muhammadu Buhari bridge. Thank you, President Muhammadu Buhari,” Ahmad wrote on his Twitter page.
“The second Niger Bridge is to officially be called/known as Muhammadu Buhari Second Nigeri Bridge,” Ahmad added.
The name is now being officiated. Thank God for our brand new Muhammadu Buhari Bridge. Thank you President Muhammadu Buhari. https://t.co/bZkdH4A86W
— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) May 23, 2023
The bridge was conceptualised in 2005 but construction began in 2016 with the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF).
- Read more: Who is funding the 2nd Niger Bridge – Part 1
- Who is funding the 2nd Niger Bridge – Part 2
Imo state governor, Hope Uzodimma, while speaking at the virtual inauguration of the bridge, said that Buhari fulfilled his promise despite the south-east not voting for him.
“He asked for our votes, we did not give him. He made a promise and now he has fulfilled the promise even though we didn’t vote for him.”
Charles Soludo, governor of Anambra, said: “As you (Buhari) leave office, the south-east will remember you. It would not be inappropriate to call you Mr Infrastructure. This is a promise delivered.”
Reacting to the naming of the bridge, Tolu Ogunlesi, a special assistant to the president on digital and new media, said the south-east governors agreed to name the new bridge after the president.
“Following consultations, the governors of the south-east have agreed that the Second Niger Bridge shall be named the Muhammadu Buhari Second Niger Bridge.”
On December 15, 2022, the federal government opened the bridge for use for a period of one month – until January 15, to ease traffic in the south-east during the festive season.
The bridge was fully opened to motorists on May 15, while some finishing touches like lane markings were ongoing.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
