…Say They ‘Il Be Identified, Dealt with In Due Course
By Williams Anuku, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday sounded a warning to perceived enemies of Nigeria, saying people with resources and influence are linked to the persistent upheavals within the polity.
According to the President, government would in due course fish them out and punish them appropriately.
He sounded the note of warning while playing host to a delegation of Borno/Yobe Elders Forum who came on a courtesy call to the Presidential Villa.
According to Buhari, the stability of the country is of paramount interest to him and his government will continue to work towards it despite the actions of a few people.
“We need this country. We will continue to work for its stability. I feel that whatever happens, we will continue to make it, and will keep on praying to God so that for those who feel that they don’t need Nigeria, we will succeed over their intentions and actions.”
“Upheavals in some parts of the country could be traced to a few people with resources and influence, but they will be identified and dealt with in due course.
“I am confident that we will eventually convince the small number of people with resource and influence that are a nuisance to this great country. God willing, we will identify them, and deal with them. I am extremely concerned about your constituency like the rest of the country, ”he reiterated.
President Buhari noted the request for the upgrade and development of infrastructure in the states and assured that while he would do his best in acceding to the requests, he would however, prioritise development in education.
“We are aware of the infrastructure deficit. Our priorities will be education because all our citizens know that children within a certain age must receive it otherwise if they miss it, the future is destroyed.”
He expressed appreciation to the leaders for coming to terms with the positive improvement that has occurred in the states since the inception of the administration.
In his remarks, Professor Babagana Zulum, Governor of Borno State, said the leaders were in Abuja to thank the President for the tremendous improvement in their states and to intimate him with some of the prevailing socio-economic conditions.
Also speaking at the event, Architect Bunu Sheriff and Gambo Gubio expressed appreciation to the President as well as the armed forces for their commitment and sacrifices in bringing a new lease of life to the Northeast. They requested for completion of long-standing infrastructure and on-going projects in the states, especially roads.
They also called on the President to continue oil exploration in the Chad Basin initiated when he was the Minister of Petroleum in the 70s and the recharging of the Lake Chad which the President is passionate about.
Also on the delegation were Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, former Governor Kashmir Shettima of Borno State, as well as senators, traditional rulers and elders in the two states.
Both Governors Babagana Zulum and his Yobe State counterpart, Mai-Mala Buni led the delegation, which comprises former Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima and Ministers of State Agriculture, Mustapha Shehuri and that of State-Works and Housing, Abubakar Aliyu.
Secretary to Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Chief of Statff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar, were also attendance at the meeting.
Also present at the meeting are the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (rted) and the Director General of State Security Service, Yusuf Bichi.
But shortly after the meeting Governor
Zulum confirmed that the Borno Elders’ Forum and Yobe Elders’ Forum met with Mr. President purposely to convey their appreciation to the federal government, under the distinguished leadership of President Muhammedu Buhari and all the efforts he has made to address insecurity in the region.
He said they raised their concerns to Mr president with a view to solving them, infrastructural deficits in Borno and Yobe States and the entire northern region.
“They have also requested from the federal government sustained military operations which has been yielding fruitful results in recent times.
So far so good, the president has responded positively. The government and people of Borno and Yobe states that he will do everything possible within the available resources to ensure sustainability of the ongoing military operations in the region.
“In terms of improving social economic situation of the region, we have also requested increased government support in terms of humanitarian support, in terms of education and others.
“The bottom line is that we came here to thank Mr. President and to ensure increased military and para-military presence in Borno and Yobe states and indeed the entire north east subregion with a view to ensuring security of the nation, “he stated.