Insurgency in Borno not withstanding, the performance of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, Northeast Nigeria , was publicly acknowledged on Wednesday by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Buhari was speaking at the Palace of the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi in Maiduguri.
The President was on a sympathy visit to the state in the aftermath of attacks by Boko Haram in Auno town last Sunday in which 30 travelers were killed with 18 vehicles burnt.
The President said he has been monitoring the activities of Governor Zulum since he came on board and has been impressed.
“Your Governor is doing very well, he is fully committed and working very hard”, Buhari said as the Shehu of Borno and elders nodded in agreement.
Buhari reaffirmed his commitment in the fight against Boko Haram and appealed for continued cooperation between the people of Borno State and the military.
The President alongside Governor of Imo State and some officials arrived around 1pm and was received by Governor Zulum at the Air Force wing of the Maiduguri International Airport. National Security Adviser, retired Major General Babagana Monguno, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouk, who arrived earlier in different flights joined in receiving the President.
Buhari drove from the airport to the Shehu’s palace.
Speaking at the palace, Governor Zulum expressed concern over resurgence of attacks in different parts of the state and appealed to the federal government to consider reviewing its current strategies.
The Governor however acknowledged the gains recorded by the military since 2015 which resulted in the liberation of many communities and freeing of thousands of citizens held captive by insurgents in Borno.
The President in his remark reiterated commitment to ending the insurgency, fighting corruption and leading Nigeria to economic recovery.
Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi, urged the President to remain committed to ending Boko Haram insurgency.
