Borno: Former President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday visited Borno and Jigawa to commiserate with the people of the two states. The former president visited Borno over the devastating flooding in the state and Jigawa over the tanker explosion that claimed no fewer than 180 lives.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, a statement issued in Abuja by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, said the two incidents happened when the former president was away from the country. Buhari lamented the damage, destruction, and loss of lives that followed the floods in Borno, attributing this to climate change. He commended the Federal and state governments for the joint efforts to restore normalcy after the floods.
Governor Babagana Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn El-Kanemi, expressed gratitude to the former president for his visit. Zulum emphasized the invaluable contributions of Buhari to Nigeria and Borno state, particularly highlighting the establishment of the 85 megawatts captive power plant which alleviated power
issues in Maiduguri. He also acknowledged the formation of the North East Development Commission, the creation of a military university, a federal polytechnic, and a college of education, all contributing to the gradual return of peace after years of Boko Haram terrorism.
The News Agency of Nigeria further reports that the acting governor of Jigawa, Aminu Usman, accompanied the former president to the Rasheed Shekoni University Teaching Hospital, where survivors of the explosion were receiving treatment. Buhari participated in prayers for the deceased and wished a swift recovery for those still hospitalized.
The acting governor expressed appreciation for the former president’s visit and his cash donation to the disaster victims.