*commends President Buhari’s commitment to indivisibility of country
By; SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri
As Independence Day Anniversary was marked on Saturday October 1, 2022 in Maidugur, Borno State, Maiduguri for the first time after about 12 years due to security challenges from the Boko Haram insurgency in the past 12 years, Govenror Babagana Umara Zulum said, “Regrettably, this auspicious occasion could not hold in Borno State for quite sometimes, due to the peculiar security challenges bedeviling the state.”
He also commended President Buhari for his good leadership in standing firm not to allow divisibility of the country, saying ,” It is evident that the administration
of His Excellency, President Muhammad Buhari as Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria has shown strong commitment
to the indivisibility of Nigeria and ensure that every citizens have access to freedom of live and basic
social amenities.”
Zulum stated this on Saturday, while delivering his 62nd Independence Day Anniversary speech at the Ramat Square, Maiduguri, immediately after inspecting NPF parades and salute to mark the 62nd Independence Day under tight security as celebrants were scanty and mostly security agencies with less civilians during the 1 hour, 30 minutes celebration.
The governor who was represented by his deputy, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur further said, “Notwithstanding, today’s celebration is indicative that peace is gradually returning to the state and the country at large, as a result of the successes recorded by the gallant troops of the Nigerian
military and other sister security agencies, which steered the state government to close down all IDPs camps in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government
Area, as well as voluntary resettlement of many communities across the state.”
According to him, “our forefathers and past nationalists struggled for freedom and decolonization of the country, sacrificing their lives and energy to gain independence from the colonialists.
“They sacrificed their personal comfort, energy, time and wealth for the country to be independent, united and an indivisible entity. As such, we shall not allow these sacrifices to be in vain.
“On this day and in the spirit of
rededication, we renew our
commitment to confronting the challenges of critical infrastructure
destroyed by the decade long Boko
Haram insurgency and explore
avenues to create job opportunities to our teeming unemployed youth,
thereby, minimizing the upsurge of social vices in the society.
“We remain confident that with the massive investments we have made in the last three years in
the expansion and strengthening of our resettlement and recovery efforts, we shall succeed in our
commitment to provide the dividend of democracy.
“On a sustainable basis and attainment of our Policy Thrust.
We have a duty to improve on job creation, access to education, healthcare delivery services,
security, portable water supply for both human and animal consumptions, among others.
“We can do tthese only in a climate of peace and security. I enjoin the citizenry to remain united, live
peacefully and shun all tendencies capable of plunging the nation into chaos and anarchy as the 2023 general elections is fast approaching.
“In this regards, we shall imbibe the spirit of patriotism and peaceful
co-existence for a prosperous nation. We need to make commitment beyond our hero’s past to reflect on the gains and
lessons learnt over the years and face the challenges of our time.
“We must be evident in our character of selflessness and sense of responsibility that characterized the lives of our heroes. For the nation to actualize its corporate vision, there is need for all citizens to appreciate the differences and diversity inherent in Nigeria.
“Finally, our nation is today faced with a number of daunting challenges, which I strongly believe are surmountable, however, in face
of all these challenges, our resolve and abiding faith must remain unshaken for the interest of the country.
“I wish you happy Anniversary celebration. I believe this occasion is worthy of celebration by all
well-meaning Nigerians home and abroad”, Zulum said.
