The Vice President Arc Mohammed Namadi Sambo has restated the determination of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to ensure that total peace and normalcy is restored in Borno State.
The Vice President stated this on Saturday at the Government House, Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, when he paid a courtesy call on Governor Kashim Shettima. The visit has elicited interest because officials of the state had complained openly about alleged neglect by top officials of the presidency as the state remained under Boko Haram crisis.
Vice President Sambo expressed delight with the improved security situation in the State commending the efforts and resilience of the State government, its people and the security agencies on the achievement.
“Borno State is noted for tranquility and peaceful co-existence. We are glad to note that life is gradually returning to normalcy. I want to seize this opportunity to assure you that we hold all our brothers and sisters in Borno State with high esteem.”
He used the opportunity to condole with the people of Borno over the loss of lives and property due to the unfortunate incidences, while also commiserating with the victims of last year’s flood disaster.
“With the current efforts of the government and good people of Borno State to broker peace and to ensure peaceful co-existence, I assure you that the Federal Government is consulting on the best approach to the peace process. We are happy with this development and we are glad that the cease-fire offer is coming at a time when all hands must be on deck to address safety and security challenges toward a peaceful and prosperous nation.”
Vice President Sambo urged the people of Borno State to continue to support the President Jonathan administration in its quest to deliver on the laudable programmes contained in the Transformation Agenda.
He enumerated several projects being executed by the Federal Government to improve the socio-economic status of the people of Borno, which cut across power supply, agriculture, transportation, education, arresting desertification and exploration of hydrocarbon in the lake Chad Basin.
Speaking, Governor Shettima who was visibly excited over the visit commended the efforts of the Federal Government at restoring peace in the historic state. He attributed the security challenges in the state to poverty and social exclusivity.
He used the occasion to eulogies the Vice President for his commitment and support to President Jonathan in the realization of the Transformation Agenda.
Earlier the Vice President was at the Palace of the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, where he commended his peace initiatives. He also commiserated with the Shehu of Borno over the unfortunate attempt on his life by a suicide bomber. He assured the Shehu that the Federal Government was solidly behind Borno State.
In his remarks the Shehu of Borno expressed delight over the Vice President’s visit. He used the opportunity to call on the Federal Government to expedite action in the areas of oil exploration, road construction, agriculture, desertification and Federal appointments for Borno indigenes.
He commended the efforts of the Federal Government at restoring peace in the State, while also imploring Government to take advantage of the ceasefire announcement and consolidate on the restoration of peace in the State.
Similarly at a meeting with Borno Elders the Vice President intimated them on the efforts of the Federal Government at positively impacting on the lives of the people of Borno, of which their leader, Dr. Shettima Ali Monguno on behalf of the Elders expressed satisfaction.
Highlights of the visit were the commissioning by the Vice President of projects, which included 144 heavy duty trucks, four kilometer Maduganari Bye-pass and Muhammed Shuwa Memorial Hospital. He also laid the foundation of Dr. Shettima Ali Monguno Teachers Village.
Vice President Sambo had a warm reception on arrival.
