Our reporters Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Wednesday, sent his sympathy to the people and government of Borno State over the massive flood that ravaged the state capital, Maiduguri, last week, killing at least 30 and displacing over a million. Checks by The PUNCH indicated that donations to the Borno State government from various quarters, including the Federal Government, have crossed N17bn. Obasanjo, in a sympathy message to the Borno State Governor, Prof.
Babagana Zulum, described the disaster as unfortunate and commended the government for its swift and courageous response to the situation. In the message made available to the press by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Kehinde Akinyemi, the ex-President said, “Although seasonal flooding is not uncommon in many parts of Nigeria, all available accounts indicate that what Borno State has just suffered was one of the most devastating incidents in recent times.
” “This is evidenced by the magnitude of the loss of human lives, harvested food crops, farmlands, livestock, buildings, and personal effects involved.” Obasanjo urged Zulum to maximise the crisis to showcase his leadership, saying, “It is usually in the midst of disasters of this nature that the qualities of good leadership and courage become manifest.” “Permit me, therefore, to commend you and the Government of Borno State for the swiftness and efficacy with which you rose to the challenge, giving every possible support in your continued effor.