We will partner states in combating flood disaster – VP Shettima

• Speaker Abbas commiserates with VP, victims of Borno flooding

By Egena Sunday Ode

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has reiterated the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to partnering with the 36 states of the federation to address the challenges of flood and other natural disasters in Nigeria.

This, he said, is the reason why the President recently approved the sum of N3 billion for each state of the federation to tackle natural disasters such as flooding as well as other challenges, noting that it is to give the subnational governments a sense of belonging.

Senator Shettima stated this on Wednesday when he received Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who paid him a commiseration visit at the presidential villa over the ravaging flood that submerged major roads, houses, and shops in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, following the collapse of a dam in the state.

Responding to the Speaker’s commiserations, VP Shettima described the Borno flood disaster as a national calamity that befell not just the state but the entire country.

“It is a national calamity that has befallen us, and it is a concomitant effect of the incestuous relationship among climate change, ecology and the economy. From Bayelsa to Sokoto, there is hardly any part of this nation that has not been affected by these flooding incidences,” he noted.

The VP however assured that with the zeal and willingness demonstrated by President Tinubu, the issue of flooding and other challenges in the states would soon be addressed.

He stated: “The President has shown his zeal, willingness and commitment to partner with the states towards addressing these issues. Recently, he approved the release of N3 billion to each state of the federation to address some of these challenges so that all parts of the federation should have buy-in and belonging”.

The Vice President commended Hon. Abbas for what he described as his “stellar leadership in the National Assembly”, saying despite having nearly 70 per cent of the members as newly sworn-in, the Speaker has been able to keep the flag flying.

He continued: “There is a lot of stability in the House of Representatives, and we have to commend you for providing that leadership. We wish you well and, Insha Allah, you are one of the fulcrums of our democratic journey.

“A harmonious relationship among the executive, the legislature and the judiciary is very essential to sustain democracy in Nigeria. Once again, thank you most sincerely on behalf of the President, the government and people of Borno for your show of empathy and support.”

Earlier, Speaker Abbas expressed his commiserations to the Vice President, the President, the government and people of Borno State, assuring that the National Assembly will provide support for the affected community.

He said, “We in the National Assembly are looking all through to see what kind of support we will give to the people affected. We are very sorry, Your Excellency, for what happened. We share your pains; we share your concerns; we are together in this from the beginning to the end.

“Insha Allah, it will come to pass, and people will go back to their normal lives and businesses as if it did not happen because we and you will make sure that we provide all the palliatives for them to regain their means of livelihood. Thank you, Your Excellency; please convey our sincere concerns to the Governor and to the people of Borno State.”