Members of Borno/Yobe Elders Forum have stormed Aso Rock Presidential villa, Abuja, pleading with President Muhammadu Buhari to continue with oil exploration in the Chad Basin.
They reminded the President, during a courtesy visit on him today, February 16, that he (Buhari) initiated such oil exploration in the area when he was the Minister of Petroleum in the 70s.
They also begged President Buhari to pay attention to the recharging of the Lake Chad which they said the President has been passionate about.
The delegation, which was made up of the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, 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 state, expressed appreciation to the President for the tremendous improvement in their states and to intimate him with some of the prevailing socio-economic conditions.
They also appreciated the President’s commitment and sacrifices in bringing a new lease of life to the Northeast, even as they requested for completion of long-standing infrastructure and on-going projects in the states, especially roads.
This was even as President insisted that the stability of the country is of paramount interest to him and that Federal 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.”
The President attributed the upheavals in some parts of the country to a few people with resources and influence, assuring that 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.”
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, priorities 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.
