Following the devastating effect of the recent flooding in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, the federal government has approved N3 billion for each state of the federation to tackle all forms of natural disasters.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who dropped hints about the development, stressed the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu administration to partner the states towards addressing the challenges of flood and other natural disasters in the country.
Shettima spoke on Wednesday in Abuja, when he received Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who paid him a commiseration visit at State House following the devastating floods.
He said the financial support was to give the subnational governments a sense of belonging.
The vice president described the Borno flood disaster as a national calamity that befell not just the state but the entire country.
He stated, “It is a national calamity that has befallen us, and it is a concomitant effect of the incestuous relationship among climate change, ecology and the economy. From Bayelsa to Sokoto, there is hardly any part of this nation that has not been affected by these flooding incidences.”
Shettima assured the people that with the zeal and willingness demonstrated by Tinubu, the issue of flooding and other challenges in the states would soon be addressed.
According to him, “The president has shown his zeal, willingness and commitment to partner the states towards addressing these issues.
“Recently, he approved the release of N3 billion to each state of the federation to address some of these challenges so that all parts of the federation should have buy-in and belonging.”
The vice president commended Abbas for his “stellar leadership in the National Assembly,” saying despite having nearly 70 per cent of the members as newly sworn-in, the speaker has been able to keep the flag flying.
He said, “There is a lot of stability in the House of Representatives, and we have to commend you for providing that leadership. We wish you well and, Insha Allah, you are one of the fulcrums of our democratic journey.
“A harmonious relationship among the executive, the legislature and the judiciary is very essential to sustain democracy in Nigeria.
“Once again, thank you most sincerely on behalf of the president, the government and people of Borno for your show of empathy and support.”
Abbas expressed his commiseration to the vice president, the president, the government and people of Borno State, assuring them that the National Assembly would provide support for the affected community.
He said, “We in the National Assembly are looking all through to see what kind of support we will give to the people affected. We are very sorry, Your Excellency, for what happened. We share your pains; we share your concerns; we are together in this from the beginning to the end.
“Insha Allah, it will come to pass, and people will go back to their normal lives and businesses as if it did not happen because we and you will make sure that we provide all the palliatives for them to regain their means of livelihood.
“Thank you, Your Excellency; please, convey our sincere concerns to the governor and to the people of Borno State.”