President Bola Tinubu says the flood that ravaged most of
Maiduguri was a “natural disaster” that no one should be blamed for.
The president spoke on Monday during a visit to Maiduguri,
the Borno state capital.
On September 10, Alau Dam, which had been at full capacity
in the weeks prior, collapsed. This led to the worst flooding in the state in
30 years.
The flood affected swathes of Maiduguri, culminating in the
displacement of over 400,000 residents and the death of over 30 persons.
Borno experienced severe flooding in 1994 when the dam
collapsed, resulting in the destruction of crops and property. Six northern
states — Kebbi, Kaduna, Sokoto, Katsina, Kwara, Plateau, and parts of Cameroon
— were also adversely affected.
On Monday, Tinubu paid visits to the Borno government house,
Shehu of Borno palace, and the camp of internally displaced persons (IDP).
The president said government cannot apportion blame for the
disaster.
“This disaster was a
natural one. It was not the making of anybody,” Tinubu was quoted as saying in
a statement by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information
and strategy.
“We cannot pass the blame. We pray that the Almighty Allah
will receive the souls of the departed and grant them eternal rest.
“May God also overlook their shortcomings and misdeeds on
earth.”
The president also said he has “been reflecting on how to
tackle this kind of disaster and the effects of climate change”.
DISASTER RELIEF FUND
The president announced the creation of a disaster relief
fund, adding that he will invite the private sector to collaborate in the
rebuilding of affected Borno communities.
“There must be a disaster relief fund. I will invite the
private sector to team up with us and help rebuild the affected areas,” Tinubu
added.
“If we take a small percentage from FAAC and put it as a
disaster relief fund, which will include all of you, we will be activating and
strengthening our sense of belonging.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who accompanied Tinubu on
the visit, said the national assembly will collaborate with the executive to
establish the fund.
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