I didn’t endorse any candidate – Soyinka

I didn’t endorse any candidate – Soyinka

“I assure you and other displaced persons that Government is working very hard to ensure that you do not remain in these camps for too long.

“I know that many of your houses have been destroyed. We will assist you financially so that you can rebuild your homes and return to them gradually,” President Jonathan told the displaced persons.

“In terms of equipment and logistics, we have already made considerable progress since the insurgency started and we will continue to improve in that regard until your operations are successfully concluded,” he told the soldiers.

The President thanked the Red Cross and other international organizations who have been assisting in the provision of relief materials to the displaced persons.

He also charged local, state and federal government officials to work with greater harmony and cooperation in rendering support to the displaced persons.

“I do not want to be receiving conflicting reports on support being given to them. Government is one and we must all work together to assist our people whenever the need arises.

“We must cooperate maximally and work together at the local government, state and federal levels to ensure that our people who are unfortunately displaced from their homes get the best possible treatment,” President Jonathan said.

The President who landed at the Maiduguri International Airport at about 3pm was received by Governor Kashim Shettima.

He was accompanied on the visit by the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, ret; the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Bade; Chief of Army staff, Lt. General Kenneth Minimah, and the Director General, NEMA, among others.

Low-key reception
The reception at the airport was low-keyed as there was no political colouration even as the Minister of State for Power, Muhammed Wakil and other top PDP big shots who had been in town since Monday were all conspicuously absent.

From the airport, Jonathan was driven straight to Maimalari Barracks amid tight security, where he addressed the troops. All roads leading to the airport from the city were closed for motorists.

Source: The Punch