By Abdullahi M. Gulloma Abuja
Acting President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday met with Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state and security chiefs over the reconstruction of Bama town that was destroyed by the Boko Haram insurgents. Th e meeting had in attendance Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Abba Kyari; Minister of Interior, Mr. Abdulrahman Danbazzau, service chiefs and heads of para-military agencies. Speaking to State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Shettima said the stakeholders met to share ideas on restoring the dignity of the people in the northeastern part of the country and rebuild infrastructure to give them hope.
“It was an exploratory meeting for us to cross pollinates ideas on the rebuilding of the North East. Th e federal government has magnanimously decided to support us in the Bama initiative, a very beautiful pilot scheme which we hope will be replicated in all parts of the devastated North East,” he said. He said rebuilding infrastructure would be a game changer in the area, adding that the federal government was desirous of assisting in the process. On the incessant bombings still going on in Borno state, Shettima said the bombings were no longer constant. He said: “Well it’s not constant per say. If you juxtapose the sorry state of aff airs two years ago with the current state of aff airs, there is cause for celebration to me personally.
Even these suicide bombings are a sign of weakness on the part of Boko Haram. Meanwhile, the federal government said it would soon kick-off the implementation of a comprehensive rebuilding plan for the North-east areas ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity in the Offi ce of the Vice President, Mr. Laolu Akande, said yesterday in a statement in Abuja. Akande said the plan was unveiled by the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo at a meeting with Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state, ministers and service chiefs. He said while the whole region was intended to be covered eventually, “the plan opens with Bama local government including several towns in an initiative that would lead to the construction of 3000 new homes, 10 police stations, 18 primary and secondary schools, health centers, creation of Special Bama Squad for security and the recruitment of 1500 local hunters as Agro Rangers, among others”.
He said under the arrangement, termed Bama Initiative, the federal government would contribute 67 per cent of the funding while Borno state government would provide the balance 33 per cent. “Under the Bama Initiative, covering towns such Bama, Banki, Gulumba Gara and others, the Federal Government in partnership with the Borno State government is expected to carry out actual reconstruction of houses for the return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as well as provide infrastructure such as roads for Bama town and adjoining communities.