From SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
President of Niger Republic, Alhaji Muhammadu Yusufu, on Sunday sent a high powered delegation to commiserate with Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, over the attack on his convey near Baga last month.
The delegation was led by the Nigerien Minister of Education, Hon. Dauda Mommodu Marte.
Other members of the delegation are: Senator Musa Abari, Senator Maina Ofi, Mai Shettimari, Shettima Bukar Shettima Amsa Gana and the Adviser to the Nigerien Minister Of Finance, Hajiya Gambo Suleiman Abba Kyari.
In a message delivered by Marte, President Muhammadu Yusufu commended the Governor Zulum for his tireless efforts in the reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement drive.
Marte said: “..our visit today is at the instance of our President to come and commiserate with you over the unfortunate attack on your convey in last month.
“The President has seen all that has happened in a video clip (and) he noted that your demonstration of courage in the service to the people is very commendable.
“Many of your people and ours are taking refuge in different places both in the republic of Niger and Nigeria, we have been following your resettlement drive keenly.”
“We are all affected by this problem, our people that were displaced by this crisis could not yet return back, we believe that ressetling people back to their communities is the only solution.
“No Government can sustain the feeding of these large number of people continuously. People should be allowed to go back to their farmlands, people should have to get back their sources of livlilhood.
“Please do not be discouraged, we understand that the people of Marte and Malamfatori will soon be ressetled. Your Excellency when the people of Malamfatori will go back home please inform us, we will join you in solidarity and support.
“We are the same people only divided by geographical map. Most of the peoples from Malamfatori are taking refuge in Niger for the past six years.”
President Muhammadu Yusufu also extended his condolence to the authorities in Nigeria over the death of the Commander, 25 brigade, Damboa, Col. Dahiru Bako.
In his remark, Governor Zulum extended his appreciation to President Yusuf for commiserating with him, noting that it is an indication of a very strong relationship between the two countries.
Zulum informed his visitors that he would relate the goodwill extended to him to the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.
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