The Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba El-Kanemi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to quickly set up a Presidential panel to investigate the collapse of Alua Dam that resulted in the flood that caused havoc both in Borno and Yobe States.
The top traditional ruler made the call today, September 16, when President Tinubu visited him in his palace as part of his sympathy and assessment tour of the areas devastated by the flood.
The Shehu noted that the collapse of the dam led to the overflow of huge water into the town, saying that the probe would aim at preventing recurrence.
He expressed gratitude to the President for the visit and for sending the Voice President, Shettima earlier on the same mission.
Disturbed by the high level of damage done by the flood, President Tinubu promised to immediately take proactive action, including the setting up of disaster relief fund to address the challenges.
He said that the relief fund is very necessary in view of the fact that climate has become more unpredictable and many places in the country are vulnerable to its vagaries.
He called on the private sector to contribute to the fund, stressing: there must be a disaster relief fund. I will invite the private sector to team up with us and help rebuild the affected areas.
Tinubu who visited an Internally Displaced Persons camp at the Government Secondary School in Maiduguri and had a drive-through of the areas affected by the disasters, said: “if we take a small percentage from FAAC and put it as disaster relief fund, which will include all of you, we will be activating and strengthening our sense of belonging.”
The President thanked Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, who is also Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Bauchi State governor Bala Mohammed, Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu; and Kogi State governor Ahmed Usman Ododo; and other governors who look beyond party lines to bear the burdens of others.
The President extended his sympathy to the government, the people of Yobe State, and all the states affected by flooding and pledged his government’s continued support for victims of natural disasters.
“For all the people of Yobe State, I sympathise with you. We will create an outstanding programme for Nigeria to recover from this calamity. We will build our nation together,” the President assured.
The President commended the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, for prompt intervention and the Theatre Command of the Nigerian military for the evacuation that saved many lives.
“I am glad that Prof. Zulum has been a very active governor. Let me assure you that we will be with you, Borno State and share the burden.
“This disaster was a natural one. It was not the making of anybody. We cannot pass the blame. We pray that the Almighty Allah will receive the souls of the departed and grant them eternal rest.
“May God also overlook their shortcomings and misdeeds on earth.”
President Tinubu commended all the ministries, agencies, and security outfits, particularly the military, involved in evacuation and relief and recognised the international organisations working in the state.
The Governor of Borno State thanked the President for the visit and commended the prompt intervention of Federal Government agencies, particularly NEMA and the military’s Theatre Command, in evacuating stranded victims.

“For the avoidance of doubts, I never stated at any time that I would be vice president to anyone and it’s unequivocal.
“I have consistently maintained that I am open to working with those committed to building a new Nigeria.
“My commitment to Nigeria remains steadfast, and I even believe it is possible to contribute to its progress without occupying any office as I am already doing.”
These were the words of the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election in Nigeria, Peter Obi, debunking news making the rounds that he had offered to be Vice President in the 2027 elections.
Obi, who was two-term governor of Anambra State, took to his X handle to clarify his statement on the interview he granted News Central TV where he was quoted to have given conditions that would make him to accept to be Vice President in 2027.
But, Peter Obi complained that he never spoke about being Vice President during the television interview.
“I have been inundated with calls and concerns regarding the interview I granted to News Central TV. L
“In that interview, I took the opportunity it provided to explain my position in detail.
“However, some fifth columnists have resorted to propaganda, deliberately distorting the narrative.
“Let me reiterate clearly what I said, which is on record.
“I do not want to be one of those preoccupied with 2027 while Nigerians are suffering from hunger, poverty, insecurity, and other pressing challenges.
“When I was asked about collaboration, I explicitly stated my openness to working with others, provided their intentions were not centred on state capture.
“I emphasized my commitment to partnering with those who share my vision for advancing Nigeria’s progress.
“I also made it clear that I remain committed to the Labour Party, and if anyone wishes to negotiate or join forces, they must disclose their true intentions.
“As I have always maintained, I am not desperate to become president, but I am determined to see Nigeria work.
“Likewise, I am not desperate for any position at all as I believe I can make contributions as I am already doing without occupying any.
“When 2027 arrives, if I decide to run for any office, it will not be with those whose sole aim is state capture or merely winning an election.
“I want them to explain how we will ensure that no child is left behind and how we will bring millions of out-of-school children back into classrooms, ensure healthy living and pull people out of poverty.
“My statement was unequivocal, and I am genuinely surprised by the misrepresentation of my words.”

President Bola Tinubu has expressed satisfaction with the renewed fierce operations of the armed forces against bandits and other criminal elements, especially in the Northwest.
According to a statement today, September 14, by the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu is happy with what he called “strings of successful operations” against security threats in the north-west by troops of the Nigerian military.”
The President, who hinged the resounding success so far to his command to the service chiefs to relocate to the trouble zone until normalcy is restored, said that the success of the operations has given further assurance that the security operatives are up to the task of ensuring the peace and security of the nation.
President Tinubu commended the military high command, the intelligence agencies, and the troops for their valiant efforts, synergy, and dedication, which have resulted in the recent laudable outcomes.
The President also commended the entire security apparatus for the improved security in the nation and enjoins them to sustain their efforts until immediate and latent threats are permanently removed.
He reassured the security agencies of his continued support in achieving the priority objective of keeping the nation safe and secure
It would be recalled that troops of the Operation Hadarin Daji, on September 12, killed a wanted bandit leader, Halilu Sububu, who had been unleashing terror on citizens in Zamfara, Sokoto and other parts of north-western Nigeria. The troops also killed another terrorist, Sani Wala Burki in a Joint Operation in Katsina, and busted a terrorist enclave in Kaduna where 13 kidnapped students were freed.