Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe state, has declared that Boko Haram
insurgency; will soon be history, as terrorists cannot take away
goodwill of leaders and their people.
Buni made the declaration Tuesday in Maiduguri, while commiserating
with Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state over recent attacks on his
convoy at Baga to resettle 521 Internally Displaced Person (IDP)
households.
The over a decade insurgency, has claimed 32,000 lives with property
worth $9.2 billion (N3.42 trillion) in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.
“One thing insurgents cannot succeed in doing; is they will never take
away the good will from you and people of Borno state, including other
Nigerians,” he said.
While casting his mind back on how Borno state, was an epicenter of
insurgency, he said: “We’ve to give thanks to Al-mighty God for his
mercies.
“I’m sure as I talk here in Maiduguri, the state capital, many
Nigerians are thinking the way I do here in Borno.
“I can remember at a time here; in Maiduguri metropolis, when we use
to be counting explosions from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
“Today it is history. I’m sure and hopeful the current situation will
soon be history.”
He noted that many historians will also attest to the fact that Kanem
Borno Empire, was captured by Rabeh.
According to him, Rabeh ruled the Empire for seven years, seven months
and a few days.
He said nobody can today point to single person to say that; “This is
a progeny or relations of Rabeh.”
He therefore; declared that Boko Haram insurgency shall also be
history by God’s grace.
While commiserating with Prof. Zulum, he said: “We’re with you in
prayers and we know your determination to see to it that; you resettle
our people of Borno state.
“And at the same time; we want to assure you; Your Excellency, you’ve
the good will, support and prayers of all Nigerians that God will
protect you.”
He said there is trial in leadership, as sometimes leaders must face
certain challenges from time to time as they are inevitable to both of
them in Borno and Yobe states.
He said the challenges cannot neither deter nor distract the Governor
from his determination to “return and resettle” displaced persons to
communities.
In his brief remarks, Governor Zulum recalled that in the last 18
months, Buni has been with him and his people in Maiduguri for more
than five times.
He added that sometimes Buni’s delegation, led by Deputy Governor of
Borno state, use to attend most of the functions held in Maiduguri.
He assured that under his leadership, he will give all the necessary
cooperation to Buni for him to succeed at state and national levels.
“We remain grateful to you. And God’s willing under my leadership; we
shall maintain this important relationship,” he said.
He said as an interim Chairman of All Progressive Party (APC), his
position is important to the government and people of Borno state.
He therefore assured the Governor that, he will do everything possible
for him to succeed in leading the people.
Zulum, who was visibly excited on Buni’s encouragements, he said: “I’m
delighted to hear words of wisdom and encouragement from you that will
further boost our morality and zeal to tackle issue of insurgency in
the state.”
