By Bala Dauda Damaturu
Gov Mai Mala Buni of Yobe has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to sustainable peace, security and economic growth of the Lake Chad region.
This is contained in a statement by Buni’s Director-General Press and Media Affairs, Alhaji Mamman Mohammed, in Damaturu on Wednesday.
Buni stated this when he visited the headquarters of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, in Njadmena, Chad, on Tuesday.
He noted that Tinubu -administration’s support for multilateral cooperation, the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and regional stabilization efforts remained vital to the collective pursuit of lasting peace and shared prosperity in the region.
The governor, who is the Forum’s Chairman, congratulated the new Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mr Ibrahim Babani, and assured of a cordial working relationship between the forum and the commission.
“ You have no doubt taken this responsibility at a consequential moment for the Lake Chad Basin.
“ One in which our shared security, stabilisation and development challenges demand stronger political coordination, deeper institutional partnership and a renewed sense of common purpose,” Buni said.
“ As Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, I assure you of our readiness to work closely with you in advancing this common agenda, and to achieve our set targets,” he said.
The governor said insecurity, displacement, climate pressures, economic vulnerability and violent extremism were no respecters of administrative boundaries.
“ Our response must, therefore, be swift and rooted in solidarity, coordination and collective action,” Buni said.
He charged the commission to deepen engagements with the African Union, UNDP, international financial institutions, bilateral partners and other stakeholders to achieve its targets.
The governor also visited the Headquarters of MNJTF, Njamena, to assess its successes and challenges in the fight against terrorism in the region.
Buni pledged to attract more intervention to the MNJTF from the Federal Government and member states to enhance its operations for sustainable security in the region.
“I pledge to share your successes and challenges with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, especially the withdrawal of Niger Republic from the Task Force, the challenges of resources, equipment, manpower, among others,” Buni assured.