*Other support to flood victims
By; Sadiq Abubakar Maiduguri
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has on Thursday, hailed a chieftain of the main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP,) Alhaji Idris Mamman Durkwa for donating the sum of N20 million as contribution in ameliorating and cushioning the socio economic hardship and challenges faced by the victims of the recent Maiduguri and Jere flood disaster.
Alhaji Durkwa commiserated and condoled the people and government of Borno State, especially, victims of the food disaster and offered prayers for Allah (God) to grant Aljannatul Firdaus to the souls of those who lost their lives and the injured, quick recovery.
He commended Governor Zulum for his resilience, sacrifice and courage during and after the flood disaster, particularly by risking his life going to various flooded communities which has assisted tremendously in rescuing many lives.
“We are here as sons of the soil to pay sympathy visit to your Excellency and the good people of Borno State.
” I was supposed to be among the Southern Borno delegation that came last week to sympathise with you, unfortunately, I couldn’t make it as I was not available at that time. But now that I am in the country, I have to rush back home to personally sympathise with you.
“On behalf of my humble self and my family, please accept our little support of N20 million only to assist in managing the effect of the flood impacted on the thousands or even a million victims.
“I want to also commend your visionary leadership qualities, for inaugurating a high powered committee for the distribution of relief items to the victims.
“The composition of the committee which has EFCC, ICPC, DSS, UN members is highly commendable and I pray that such calamity will never happen to Borno or anywhere”. Durkwa said.
Durkwa was accompanied by the only PDP member representing Hawul/Askira-Uba Federal Constituency, in the state, Hon. Midala Balami, the Borno State Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Zannah Gadama, former National Treasurer of the party, Hon. Ali Wurge, former Member Borno State House of Assembly, Hon. Fali Wabilari, Hon. Habila Bello Chibok, Hon. Mohammed Ali, Hon. Sheriff Banki, and a host of other PDP stalwarts.
In his remarks, Governor Zulum appreciated Durkwa and members of his entourage while assuring that the money donated would be judiciously channelled into the account of the Borno Flood Basket Relief Funds (BoFBRFs).
He also explained that apart from personal donation made by the opposition PDP chieftain, Durkwa has also hosted many victims and provided food and non-food items to hundreds and thousands of victims of the disaster
“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I want to express our deep appreciation to you for not only donating personally, but also for finding time to come and sympathize with us. We are very grateful.
“The flood disaster has ravaged hospitals, markets, residential houses, roads, drainages, bridges and many critical infrastructures worth billions of naira, and I want to assure you and all those who have donated generously that the funds will be judiciously and transparently utilized for the purpose intended”. Zulum said.
It would be recalled that Durkwa on Wednesday, led a similar delegation on sympathy and condolence visit to the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El Kanemi, whose palace was also submerged by the 10th September, 2024 flooding, which erupted after the collapse of the Alau Dam.
