By Babagana Wakil, Maiduguri
Borno state governor and chairman of Northeast Governors Forum, Professor Babagana Zulum on Monday, presented N20 million as donation from the governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states in solidarity over recent attacks on communities by terrorists.
Presenting the donation to Zamfara state governor, Bello Muhammad before traditional rulers and top government officials, Professor Zulum said, “We are here on behalf of all governors of the six states in the northeast through our forum, to commiserate with the government and good people of Zamfara State over the recent killings that happened in some communities of the state, especially the recent happenings in Anka and Bukuyi. We are here because we have for more than 12 years shared similar experiences and we have to stand by each other at times like these.”
The governor urged the people of Zamfara not to despair but remain hopeful. He reeled out statistics of huge destructions caused by Boko Haram insurgents in different parts of Borno but noted that despite all of that, peace is now re-emerging.
Zulum said governor Bello has shown relentless commitment in the ongoing efforts between the federal and state government to address security challenges in Zamfara State.
“From all that I have reliably heard, Governor Matawalle is sleepless, he is deeply concerned about the situation in his state and we see him running up and down, inspiring public confidence and showing leadership and insha’Allah, peace will eventually return to Zamfara State” Zulum said in the Hausa language.
In his response, Zamfara governor expressed gratitude to northeast governors for their demonstration of love and solidarity to the people of Zamfara State.
“Borno and Zamfara share a similar problem of terrorists’ attacks. We collaborate by sharing ideas in our commitment on how to end these problems we inherited. With our shared commitment, prayer and the support of our people, insha’Allah we shall triumph,” Muhammad said.
On Zulum’s entourage were the chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Senator Ali Ndume; Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Barrister Mohammed Monguno; Deputy Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Engr. Abdullahi Askira and the State Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele.
