The Government and prominent stakeholders of Niger State have appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari and the federal government to come to the rescue of the state by addressing the infrastructural deficit and security challenges in the state.
This requests were made on Friday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja when Governor Abubakar Sani Bello led a delegation of prominent Nigerlites on solidarity visit to Mr. President.
The leader of the delegation and one time Military administrator of old Bauchi and Sokoto States, Lieutenant General Garba Duba (rtd) who spoke on behalf of the stakeholders said the quick intervention of federal government is required for the rehabilitation of federal roads in the state and provision of security on the roads so as to allow trailers and other heavy-duty trucks ply the abandoned Truck A roads.
Garba also sought for the quick completion of Baro Port and the 700 megawatts Zungeru Hydro Electricity Dam. He argued that quick completion of these projects would go a long way in boosting the socio-economic activities in the state.
He then commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the honor done to the state and to the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Late Justice Idris Legbo during his burial and the infrastructural and people-oriented projects embarked on by his administration across the country.
The Estu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar who also spoke, commended the President for providing the much needed leadership for the country at this critical and crucial time.
The royal father prayed for wisdom and strength for the President as he continues to pilot the affairs of the country
In his remarks, President Muhammadu Buhari expressed disappointment with members of National Assembly on delay in passage of budgets which has slow down completion of projects across the country.
President Buhari who agreed with the delegation on the importance of infrastructural development in socio-economic activities of the country assured that his administration will pay more attention to the stretch of 2,150km federal roads in the state.
The President also re-assured the delegation that his administration will stay focused on securing lives and property, fighting corruption and stimulating the economy for more progress.
The delegation which was non-partisan and cut across political divide of the state, had the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ketso, Speaker, Rt Hon Ahmed Marafa, members of the national and state assemblies, members of the state executive council, traditional and religious leaders..
Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, the immediate past state governor, former Deputy governor, Shem Nuhu Zagbayi, Captain of industries, former Military Governors, former ministers, former Federal Permanent Secretaries and members of the ruling and opposition parties.
