By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state on Thursday hailed the Chieftain of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Idris Mamman Durkwa for donating the sum of N20 million to help in ameliorating the current economic challenges faced by victims of the Maiduguri and Jere flood disaster.

Recall that Durkwa yesterday led a delegation and paid sympathy visit to the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi whose palace was also submerged in the 10th September, 2024 flood, which erupted after the collapse of the Alau Dam.

Zulum while expressing his deep appreciation to Durkwa and members of his entourage, assured that the money donated would be judiciously channelled into the account of the Borno Flood Basket Relief Funds (BoFBRFs).

He also explained that apart from personal donation made by the opposition PDP Chieftain, Durkwa has also hosted many victims and provided food and non-food items.

“On behalf of the government and people of Borno state, I want to express our deep appreciation to you for not only donating personally, but also for finding time to come and sympathize with us. We are very grateful.

“The flood disaster has ravaged hospitals, markets, residential houses, roads, drainages, bridges and many critical infrastructures worth billions of naira, and I want to assure you and all those who have donated generously that the funds will be judiciously and transparently utilized for the purpose intended”. Zulum stated.

Earlier while addressing Governor Zulum and members of his cabinet, Alhaji Durkwa commiserated with the people, especially victims, and prayed Allah (God) to grant Aljannatul Firdaus to the Souls of those who lost their lives and the injured ones quick recovery.

He commended Governor Zulum for his sacrifice and courage during and after the flood disaster, particularly by risking his life going to various flooded communities which has assisted tremendously in rescuing many lives.

“We are here as sons of the soil to pay sympathy visit to your Excellency and the good people of Borno state.

” I was suppose to be among the Southern Borno Delegation that came last week to sympathise with you, unfortunately, I couldn’t make it as I was not available at that time. But now that I am in the country, I have to rush back home to personally sympathise with you.

“On behalf of my humble self and May family, please accept our little support of N20 million only to assist in managing the effect of the flood impacted on the thousands or even a million victims.

“I want to also commend your visionary leadership qualities, for inaugurating a high powered committee for the distribution of relief items to the victims. The composition of the committee which has EFCC, ICPC, DSS, UN members is highly commendable and I pray that such calamity will never happen to Borno or anywhere”. Durkwa stated.

Durkwa was accompanied by the Only PDP Member representing Hawul/Askira-Uba Federal Constituency, Dr. Hon. Midala Balami, the Borno State Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Zannah Gadama, former National Treasurer of the party, Hon. Ali Wurge, former Member Borno State House of Assembly, Hon. Fali Wabilari, Hon. Habila Bello Chibok, Hon. Mohammed Ali, Hon. Sheriff Banki, and host of other PDP stalwarts.