The Governors of northeastern Nigeria has called on the federal government to step up its fight against Boko Haram in the region. The governors made the call during a meeting of the North East Governors Association on Saturday in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, oyogist.com reports.
Borno State governor’s spokesman Mallam Isah Gusau told reporters that during the meeting, the governors agreed on a number of issues, including the need for the government of President Muhammadu Buhari to provide more modern weapons to the armed forces.
They also demanded that the police be equipped with modern weapons to assist the military in the fight against Boko Haram.
“While the governors praised the Nigerian government’s efforts in the fight against terrorism, they said there was a need to step up efforts to end the problem,” said Isah Gusau.
They also elected Borno state governor Babagana Umara Zulum as the group’s chairman for the next two years.
The governors also called on the Nigerian government to intensify its efforts to explore for oil in the region, which it said had long since begun, which they said would help make the region’s youth self-reliant.
They also agreed with the heads of the North East Regional Commission, who also attended the meeting, to consult with the states whenever they wish to take action to avoid clashes between the commission and the state governments.
The governors agreed to submit the recommendations reached to President Muhammadu Buhari for implementation.
The governors in attendance included the host, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, Bauchi State Governor Bala Muhammad Kaura, and Yobe and Taraba State Governors.
