Press Release

Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, says Nigeria is always disposed towards maintaining peace with its neighbours, even on thorny boundary issues .

Bagudu spoke in Birnin Kebbi, on Tuesday, when he received a Federal Government delegation led by the Director General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC), Surveyor Adamu A. Adaji, on a courtesy visit.

The Kebbi State Governor also said that , Nigeria had always been her brothers’ keeper, even on issues that may likely end up in wars .

Bagudu cited the case of the transfer of Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroun , saying, ” Nigeria ensured that the exercise was peacefully done, rather than going to war.”

He noted that, border issues fall on the exclusive legislative list, hence, fall on the sole jurisdictions of the Federal Government.

Bagudu however said effective interface among the three tiers of government will help to achieve more satisfactory outcomes on such issues .

The Kebbi State Governor further recalled that, often, there were mutual suspicions between Nigeria and some of her neighbours, sometimes resulting in skirmishes .

For instance , he cited the case of the presence of Benionise security agents near Tsamiya, in 2016, hence, tensions rose,but, frayed nerves were calmed when the then President Boni sent emissaries .

” He sent the then Foreign Affairs Minister to Lolo and we met and the issue was amicably resolved ,” the Governor, explained .

According to him, history has warned that, what normally cause conflicts were not large , but some little incidences that go out of hand.

Bagudu commended President Muhammadu Buhari for sustaining the tradition of ensuring that peace thrives between Nigeria and her neighbours.

He promised to sustained support and the desired political will to mobilize the populace , to ensure that lasting peace was achieved between the state and her Nigerien and Benionise neighbours.

The Director General of National Boundary Commission (NBC), Surveyor Adamu Adaji has earlier told Bagudu that, they were in the state for the continuation of talks between Nigeria and Benin republic on the planned construction of a border bridge by the two nations, on River Wara.

The DG acknowledged the commitment of Bagudu to the progress of not only Kebbi State, but, Nigeria as a whole .

He said that , the meeting was aimed at strategizing on how to successfully execute the project that will be mutually beneficial to the two countries .

Earlier, the Kebbi State Surveyor General, Alhaji Kabiru Ibrahim Argungu told the governor that the delegation led by DG, National Boundary Commission were in the state on a national assignment that would bolster border cooperation between Nigeria and Benin Republic.

According to him, already series of meetings were held ahead of the excercise in order to arrive at a common front

Argungu appreciated the support of Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu towards ensuring that border issues are resolved amicably.

Present at the courtesy visit at Government House, Birnin Kebbi were Chief of Staff, Government House, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Argungu ( Jarman Kabi), the Secretary to the State Government, Babale Umar Yauri, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Hassan Muhammad Shalla, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Lands and Housing, Malami Shekare, Zonal Vice Chairman, Kebbi North, Alhaji Sahabi Lolo and the Chairman Bagudo Local Government, Alhaji Dan Hakumi Zagga.

Others include , Member House of Representatives, Suru / Bagudo constituency, Alhaji Bello Dallatu, Member representing Bagudo , Muhammed Sani Lolo and other government officials.

On the entourage of Federal Government were Director General, National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu A .Adaji, Surveyor M.Y. Ribadu , Director International Boundaries, Mrs Hauwa Ismail, Assistant Director, Transborder Cooperation, Uba Waziri, Nigeria Immigration Service.

Others were, Musbahu Bashir Sadi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kwajafa Ibrahim, Border Community Development Agency, Habila Bonet, Border Community Development Agency, Ebele Ezughalu , Desk Officer for Niger- Benin, Mancha Austine, National Boundary Commission and Abraham Akunade from National Boundary Commission.

Signed.

YAHAYA SARKI
Special Adviser (SA) Media to Kebbi State Governor
12/1/2021