Buhari meets with governors, head of EFCC, others in Saudi Arabia

On the fifth day of his official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retired) met with the governors of Borno and Yobe states, Prof. Babagana Zulum and Mai Mala Buni, respectively, as well as the incoming governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda.

Buhari reportedly met the governors in the Makkah Guest Palace, according to the News Agency of Nigeria. Some government representatives from Nigeria also gave him updates on events there, such as the Saturday supplementary elections that took place in some regions of the nation.

Buhari was briefed by Abdulrasheed Bawa, the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, at the Makkah Guest Palace, where he is being hosted by the host nation’s government.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, and Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, a former chief of the army staff, also provided updates to the president on their professional endeavours.

The President stated in his response to the briefing that “whatever Nigeria has achieved today is due to the power of its democracy and the power of our institutions, which must continue to be strengthened.”

Speaking one-on-one following the meetings, the governors of Borno and Yobe expressed their gratitude for the President’s efforts in reducing the threat posed by Boko Haram terrorists in their states and their happiness that peace had been restored.

They pledged to keep pushing for the advancement of their people and to continue supporting the President.

The President received an update from the EFCC Chairman on attempts to resolve current legal disputes and the strategy for charging additional offenders.

He also discussed with the President the idea of prosecuting the people who had been detained in connection with election fraud.

In keeping with his campaign promises, Radda, the governor-elect of Katsina State, reaffirmed his commitment to an open and transparent government.

Following the meeting, the visitors observed the afternoon prayers with the President.