I Will Focus On Tackling The Persistent Insecurity Affecting North-East – Buhari if elected

All Progressives Congress, (APC) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) on Monday vowed that if elected, he will tackle the persistent insecurity challenges bedevilling the north east and liberate all areas which were conquered by the Boko Haram insurgents.

Buhari, who was in Maiduguri, Borno state capital for the campaign rally made the statement while paying a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai El-Kanemi at his palace, even as he assured that, his administration will do everything possible to end the nasty activities of insurgents.

It was reported that security was beefed up in the entire Maiduguri and surroundings as they were shut down following the APC presidential candidate’s visit as markets, shops and other business premises were locked, as thousands of residents trekked for about 15 kilometers to get to the Maiduguri International Airport to welcome him.

Buhari who arrived the airport aboard a chartered flight, landed at about 10.30am and was received by Governor Kashim Shettima, members of his State Executive Council, (SEC), top government officials and party chieftains.

However, due to the large number of people who came out to welcome the presidential candidate, it took the convoy two hours for a 15 kilometers drive before getting to the Shehu of Borno’s palace.

While at the palace of the monarch, the former head of state said that, “It was painful that the insurgency eventually turned enterprising north-eastern states to a hell-hole which compelled thousands of innocent citizens of the country into taking refuge across neighbouring countries.

“If elected, I will focus on tackling the persistent insecurity affecting north-east. It is not an easy task as the damage has been done. Your royal highness, God willing, if APC government is elected, all towns under Boko Haram control will be liberated and rebuilt. It was unfortunate that commercial activities were paralysed following the insecurity, in the past, hundreds of trailers loaded with goods took off from Maiduguri to various neighboring countries, but presently the reverse is the case”, Buhari said.

He noted that the activities of Boko Haram were unIslamic as Islam is a religion of peace which forbids shedding blood of innocent people.

He said: “Boko Haram ideology contradicts Islamic principles, because it does not allow senseless killings of innocent souls. It is unfortunate that innocent persons were being killed in mosques, churches and their houses. God willing, if APC government is elected, we will restore confidence in governance”.

Buhari, who expressed delight over the mammoth crowd that welcomed him, equally promised to focus on job creation and youth empowerment so that they can be self-reliant.

In his remarks, the Shehu of Borno said if elected, the presidential candidate should focus on restoration of peace, massive investment, re-construction of federal roads, revamping of Lake Chad and ensure success of oil explorations in the lake Chad region.

However, while at Ramat square, venue of the rally, Buhari was unable to speak as he was overwhelmed by the large crowd, but simply waved the crowd after stepping on the podium.

Those who accompanied the presidential candidate to the rally included APC National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun, APC Secretary, Alh Mai Mala Buni, Rivers state Governor Rotimi Ameachi, former PDP national Chairman, Chief Audu Ogbe, Senator Lawal Sha’aibu, Umar Faruk Aliyu, Senator Hadi Sirika, , Gen. Lawan Dambazau (rtd) and Hadiza Bala Usman, among others.

At the scene of the rally, thousands of supporters of the presidential candidate overwhelmed security operatives manning some gates of the popular Ramat Square in Maiduguri to attend the rally.

As early as 6am, the Square located in the city centre was nearly filled to capacity by men, women and children including the blind, the crippled and other physically challenged people.

The gates to the Square were therefore locked by heavily armed soldiers and policemen, who cited security reasons as basis for the closure.