… Governor says he will keep leading from forefront
… Forum wants 6 things from Buhari
Indigenes of Borno and Yobe States, consisting of elders, national assembly members, former ministers, retired civil servants and federal officials were in Maiduguri on Monday to pay a solidarity visit to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.
Zulum, whose convoy came under gun shot attack in Baga on Wednesday 29th July 2020 received the delegation led by the former minister of FCT Arch. Ibrahim Bunu.
In his remark, Governor Zulum has reiterated his resolve to be at the forefront delivering his developmental agenda for Borno state.
“We should never be intimidated by the so-called statements on social media, I am ever committed its only God that gives and takes life, I will be in the forefront delivering an intervention to our dear state.” Zulum said.
Governor Zulum also called on the citizens of Borno and Yobe States to unite together to find solutions to their common problems.
“We should not be cowards, we should not be intimidated by any group. We should coalace together to fight for our common destiny of destitution, of poverty among others.” Zulum said.
Similarly, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum lamented the difficult situation of the internally displaced persons accros the state.
“What is your joy living in Maiduguri in the Government House, in GRAs and in Abuja while hundreds of thousands of our siblings, fathers, mothers, and grandparents are dying in IDPs camps.
When we went to Dikwa last two months ago it was very pathetic, we distributed food items to over 33,000 heads of households. Dikwa currently have more than 250,000 IDPs, but unfortunately about 98% of them doesn’t have the next meal and most unfortunately, throughout the town you cannot get a single 50 kg of maize to buy.” Zulum said.
Governor Zulum expressed appreciation to the delegation for the visit.
We are very much delighted to have you in our midst this afternoon, purposely for commiserating with us over the recent happening in Borno State. Indeed, we are overwhelmed, outsiders and even insiders will be happy to note your presence in Borno State. It’s a mark of solidarity, it is a mark of unity that will insha Allah provide the necessary environment for peace to reign in Borno State.” Zulum said.
He added,” Your visit will give us courage to do more insha Allah.
Earlier, Arch Ibrahim Bunu extended their sympathy, solidarity and words of encouragement to Governor Zulum.
“Your Excellency, sometime last year we paid you a similar solidarity visit, to assure you that we are solidly behind you in the good work you do for our people. This time around we came all encompassing to commiserate with you on the attack to your convoy near Baga Earlier, this month.
Your Excellency, we have seen your passion, your zeal and commitment in seeing Borno free of insurgency, and to speak out various developmental activities you have embarked on. I personally dare say, you have demonstrated leadership qualities that can risk life to save others. You matched your words with action by going to the nooks, and crannies of the State to see it first hand for yourself.” Arch. Bunu said.
During the visit, the leader of the delegation and elder statesman Arch Ibrahim Bunu reads out six requests for the President and Commander in Chief, Muhammadu Buhari. The request are;
1. Military to be properly equipped and all their allowance paid in time.
2. The military should be taking the war to the insurgents rather than repelling only when they attacked. This allows the insurgents time to strengthen and consolidate their positions for subsequent attacks.
3. The military should enforce inter agencies corporations and coordination among various arms of the military, and other security force to draw maximum benefit.
4. Ensure frequent rotation of the officers, and men to avoid acclimatization and adaptation to the local communities. That will discontinue the unnecessary accusation of soldiers for engaging in business other than their duties.
5. Work on the progress made in the resettlement of IDPs to their ancestral lands.
6. Federal Government should also put in place a specific and appropriate empowerment initiative to stem the menace of poverty in Borno and Yobe States. This will reduce the tendencies of easy recruitment to Boko Haram and other social vices.
