President Muhammadu Buhari Monday
in Abuja met a delegation from Borno State, during which he reasserted his
administration’s unwavering support to equip the military to overcome the
insurgency in the North-East.
The President also told the
delegation led by Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State that the collective
safety and security of civilians would continue to remain paramount in the
administration’s strategy to restore peace and stability in the region.
‘‘Having been a former Governor
in the North East, a GOC in the region and very familiar with the terrain, I
assure you that as Commander-in-Chief, I’ll raise the standard of the Nigerian
Armed Forces and get the resources to encourage them to do better than what
they are doing, ’’ he said.
The President told the delegation
comprising political, traditional, religious, women and media leaders in the
State that he was impressed by their leadership roles and participation in
helping the government deal with the insurgency in the North East.
The President commended the
contributions of the stakeholders from Borno State particularly the need for
more air support for troops on the ground and coordination among different
security agencies.
‘‘I am getting at least a weekly
situation report from the services and of course from other sources. I
encourage the commanders to remain committed,’’ he said.
President Buhari thanked Governor
Shettima for demonstrating leadership in the State during these difficult
times.
‘‘I have an idea how much you are
doing and I very much appreciate it. I’m sure that has earned you more respect
from the people,’’ he said.
Earlier in his remarks, Governor
Shettima recounted that before 2015, Boko Haram had almost completely overrun
the State, occupying many local government areas because the state government
did not receive the necessary support and succour from the then Federal
Government.
The governor who was moved to
tears because of what he described as the recent setback in the fight against
insurgency, however, noted that the leaders had not lost hope in the
President’s ability to win the war and restore peace in the state.
Amidst tears, Governor Shettima
told the President that the delegation came to present a set of observations
and specific requests from a security meeting held a week ago in the state,
which will require urgent presidential intervention.
Other stakeholders from the State
who made comments included Bishop Mohammed Naga, Chairman, Christian
Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno State, Dr Bulama Mali Gubio, Secretary,
Borno Elders’ Forum, Maina Ma’aji Lawal, former Governor of the State, HRH
Muhammad Masta II bn Al-Amin El-Kanemi, Emir of Dikwa, representing the Shehu
of Borno, Senator representing Borno North, Abubakar Kyari and Senator Ali
Ndume, Leader, Borno Caucus, National Assembly.
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