Buhari’s return: Governor Shettima congratulates northeast citizens, other Nigerians

The people of the northeast geo-political zone should be congratulated as major beneficiaries of President Muhammadu Buhari’s return because of the President's open love, empathy and keen interest in addressing the security challenges in parts of the region, Borno Governor, Kashim Shettima has said.

Governor Shettima who was on a condolence visit to Kaduna when the President arrived Abuja on Saturday, said it was for Buhari’s love for the northeast that Borno State Government pioneered State prayers for the President's health during his first medical trip to the United Kingdom, Shettima said in his goodwill message emailed to journalists by his spokesman, Isa Gusau.

"Until President Buhari assumed office, our northeast was the most marginalized in every thing that had to do with the Federal Government from presence of Federal projects to representation at National levels. However, President Buhari changed that soon as he assumed the mantle of Leadership. He made the insurgency problems bedeviling the northeast as his administration's topmost priority and made the region the bride of his administration in terms of appointment of National representatives. This is why Buhari occupies a special place in hearts of minds of all true sons and daughters of the six States that make up the northeast geo-political zone. We the people of the northeast should be congratulated for President Buhari’s return. We are most grateful to Allah for returning him in good health and we pray that his health continues to grow from strength to strength so completes his noble mission to fully restore Nigeria to the path of recovery, sustainable progress and development. On behalf of Government and the good people of Borno State, we are indeed most grateful to all good Nigerians for standing by a former Governor of the old northeastern State and our own inlaw in whom we are very pleased" Shettima was quoted in the statement.

The Governor also paid tribute to ‎Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who he said, upheld President Buhari’s compassionate interest in the northeast through the Vice President's approval of numerous interventions for the northeast in order to address humanitarian needs.

"Vice President Yemi Osinbajo clearly upheld President Buhari’s passion for the northeast. In all his days as acting President, he stepped up interventions as the President himself was doing. We are grateful to him for his love and empathy. We also congratulate him on the President's return" Shettima added.