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.
