President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday assured that all ongoing Federal projects in the South East region of the country will be funded and completed.

 Buhari, who gave the assurance while speaking at a meeting with South East political leaders including governors and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu at the State House in Abuja said that the seven-month delay experienced in passing this year’s budget would not be a stumbling block.

According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President further pledged that his administartion would sustain the support to the zone in terms of infrastructure.

“I assure you that we are doing our best and will not default on the agreements signed on ongoing projects. When you sign and you don’t pay, they (contractors) can legally jack up their costs. This is part of the problem.

‘”The infrastructure budget is a deficit budget. The borrowing plan was only approved three weeks ago and all ministers and departments of government have been instructed to forge ahead. We must not find excuses for delaying the projects.

“Developing infrastructure is the best thing we can do. When the roads are okay, the rails are established and there is power, Nigerians will flourish in their businesses,” Buhari said.

Speaking on behalf of the governors, Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State said they had come specifically to thank the President for the award of the contract for the major component of the Second Niger Bridge at the cost of ₦206 billion.

“The project is the dream of our people and it has become a dream come true. Our people said we must come and thank you. Your Excellency, Mr. President, we are grateful Sir,” he added.

President Buhari was accompanied to the meeting by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha; Minister of  Science & Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelemah; Chris Ngige (Labour and Employment); Rotimi Amaechi (Transportation) and Babatunde Fashola (Power, Works and Housing).