Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum Chairman, Gov Mai Mala Buni Visits Nigerian Refugees in Kaya, Chad
By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
Ndjamena (Chad) – Yobe State Governor and Chairman of the Lake Chad Governors’ Forum, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, Wednesday visited Nigerian refugees at Kaya site in Lac Province of Chad Republic, to assess their welfare.
According to a statement by Mamman Muhammad who is the DG, Press and Media Affairs to the governor, Gov. Buni commended the peaceful co-existence between the refugees, the host communities and the government of Chad Republic.
He urged the refugees to be law abiding, shun crime and report cases of infiltration, suspicious persons and movements in the area.
The Gov. noted with satisfaction, the refugees engagement in fishing and farming, “this makes you more resourceful and less dependent”, assuring that the Nigerian government would continue to partner the Chadian Government on the welfare of the refugees.
“For those of you willing to return home, you should liaise with the Lake Chad Basin Commission to take the census while the respective state governments repatriate you back to your states,” Gov. Buni assured.
Ba Bulama Usman, leader of the refugees community, commended Governor Buni for the visit, saying, “you are the only government official from Nigeria to visit us.
“This visit has given us a sense of belonging and hope. We will remain law abiding and pursue our means of livelihood peacefully with the host communities and with respect to the laws of the land,” Bulama assured.
He said, the refugees would collaborate with the Lake Chad Basin Commission to identify those willing to return home and notify their state governments for repatriation.
“We also appreciate the support given to us and want to assure you that everyone will benefit from this generous benevolence,” the leader added.
Governor Buni was accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, the Force Commander of the Multi National Joint Task Force, Maj. Gen. ST Audu, Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Dr. Mohammed Goje.
Others include the Special Adviser on Security, Brig. Gen. Dahiru Abdulsalam (rtd), Honorary Adviser on Policy Delivery, Dr. Kole Shettima, Honorary Adviser on Lake Chad Governors’ Forum and International Investment, Dr. Said Alkali Kori, Special Adviser on Food Security, Dr. Muhammed Babagana and other top government functionaries.
Gov. Buni had earlier during a courtesy call on the Governor of Lac Province, Gen. Saleh Hagar Tidjani, commended the government of Chad for accommodating Nigerian settlers and refugees, and the peaceful coexistence between Nigerians and the communities.
“Nigeria and Chad would strive to maintain and sustain the peaceful co-existence and security between the two countries.
“The commitment of the Lake Chad Governors’ forum in Maiduguri last year would be executed to support and deepen sustainable peace, security and economic growth.
“We are committed to opening the water ways to enhance transportation for security operations and transportation of goods and services. We will pursue this with vigour to improve the lives of our people,” Buni assured.
General Saleh Hagar Tidjani described the visit as a honour and a collaboration for peaceful co-existence to strengthen security. Stability and economic growth among the member-states.
