Adamawa State Governor, Muhammad Umar Jibrilla Bindow, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for assenting to the North East Development Commission Bill thus creating a law that establishes the agency.

A statement issued on Thursday in Yola by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Ahmad Sajoh, quoted the Governor as saying the North East Development Commission law is intended to trigger development in the insurgency ravaged region and also engineer durable solutions as well as improve livelihoods.

The Governor further observed that by the mandate of the Agency to receive and manage funds allocated by the Federal Government and international donor agencies for the resettlement, rehabilitation, integration and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises of victims of insurgency it will surely impact positively on the lives of people living in the region.

Speaking on the need for the Commission to coordinate projects and programmes within the Master Plan for the rehabilitation, resettlement, reconciliation, reconstruction of the embattled region, the Governor said what is paramount is for the Commission to ensure due diligence, transparency and accountability in the discharge of its mandate.

He further commended the resolve of President Buhari to end the insurgency and create a peaceful atmosphere in the North East. “This has resulted in increased productive engagements by the people. It is hoped that the Commission will give further impetus to such engagements particularly in the areas of agriculture and commerce.”

Governor Bindow observed that there is a huge deficit in the provision of infrastructure, human and social services, including health and nutrition, education and water supply, agriculture, wealth creation and employment opportunities, urban and rural development and poverty alleviation within the North East.

The Governor equally commended the President as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces as well as the gallant fighting forces particularly the Nigeria Air force “for recent successes in degrading the remnants of the insurgents in recent precise target strikes. This is particularly evident with the recent destruction of remote hiding locations and indeed the killing of key commanders which include Shekau’s wife and close lieutenants.

“On our part, the Adamawa State Government under the leadership of Governor Bindow had pledged to continue to give all necessary support to the Federal Government in order to ensure that both the setting up of the structures of the Commission and the combat support requirements of the armed forces are provided at all times.”

The Governor equally commended members of the National Assembly for the passage of the Bill which saw to its eventual signing into law by the President. He appealed to the law makers as a former colleague to consider and approve the provision of generous budgetary allocation for the eventual take-off of the Commission, noting that without adequate funding, the Commission will not achieve its mandate or make the desired impact.

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