ISWAP: Gov Zulum Visits Multinational Forces, LCBC in Chad

The Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum on Monday visited headquarters of the Multinational Joint Task Force in N’Djamena, capital of Republic of Chad.

The joint task force, mostly military personnel from Chad, Cameroon, Niger and Nigeria, all countries in the Lake Chad region, have been deeply involved in fighting boko haram in the shores of the Lake Chad, part of which are in northern part of Borno State and communities in the other countries.

Zulum, who departed Maiduguri airport on Sunday afternoon arrived Chad ahead of his activities.

Also in the Governor’s entourage are two members of the state Assembly whose constituencies are located within operational areas of MNJTF accompanied the Governor and so were the Secretary to the state government and two Commissioners and officials concerned with the trip.

The Governor was received by the Commander of the MNJTF, Major General I. M. Yusuf, at it operational headquarters, where a closed door meeting was held over the fight against boko haram in parts of Borno state.

At an open session however, General Yusuf expressed on behalf of member countries in the task force, their encouragement by the Governor‘s visit which demonstrated his commitment to peace building in Nigeria and other affected countries.

“Since you were a Commissioner responsible for reconstruction, there is no rural area in Borno state that you have not traversed. I was GOC then and I can testify that whether security was there or not, in most cases you risked your life to go everywhere.

“For some of us that know you, we are not at all surprised by the energy we see in you as you drive the peace process since you became Governor.

“So when we heard you will be visiting Chad and the Ambassador contacted us that you will be paying courtesy call on MNJTF we were very pleased,” the Commander said.

The leaders affirmed their resolves to remain resolute in finding peace against the wish of boko haram.

Zulum thanked the MNJTF for it sacrifices and patriotism; and assured them of his government’s support at all times.

Similarly the Governor was at the headquarters of Lake Chad Basin Commission, also in N’Djamena. He was accompanied by the Nigerian Ambassador to Republic Of Chad, officials from the State Government, and were received by the Executive Secretary of the commission, Ambassador Mamman Nuhu, and officials from other countries.

The high level meeting focused on security around the shores of Lake Chad, humanitarian needs and restoration of means of livelihoods of citizens.

Issues of trans border trade and direct road linkage between Nigeria and Chad were also discussed during the meeting, and follow up on the regional stabilization facility.

At the end of the meeting the leaders strengthened their commitments to regional stabilization through sustained fight against Boko Haram and stimulation of trans border trade.