Security: Gaidam re-opens vital road in Potiskum
From: Hamisu Kabir Matazu, Damaturu
Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State has granted approval for the re-opening of the vital Mai Idriss Way in Potiskum, Yobe’s commercial center after the road was closed down to public use for nearly two years due to security concerns.
A statement by Gaidam’s media adviser, Abdullahi Bego said the decision to re-open the road follows a meeting between the governor and heads of law enforcement agencies in the State and also as a result of the ‘gradual improvement of the security situation’.
“Consequently, members of the public, including shop owners who were compelled not to open their shops around the area, can now open their shops for business and use the road for their daily commuting”, the statement said.
The statement also hinted at the possible lifting of the use of motorcycles in some major towns of the State including Potiskum. “The Yobe State Government under the leadership of His Excellency Governor Ibrahim Gaidam is also considering lifting the ban on the use of motorcycles in Potiskum Town and some other major towns of the State to allow for single individuals to ride motorcycles again”, Bego said.
The statement added that a press release will be issued on the lifting of the ban on motorcycles after the completion of a review currently being undertaken by security agencies in the State.
The use of motorcycles has been banned in four major towns of Yobe State including Potiskum, Gaidam and Gashu’a for over two years as a result of security concerns that Boko Haram members were using motorcycles to carry out attacks against individuals in the major towns of the State.
Shagari congratulates Buhari, commends Jonathan
From Abdulfatai Abdulsalami, Sokoto
Second republic President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari has described the victory of APC candidate General Muhammadu Buhari as an indication of his track record of service to his fatherland which endeared him to the Nigerian populace who massively voted for him.
Shagari made the remark in a congratulatory message signed and made available to reporters in Sokoto over the weekend.
The former president and elder statesman described Buhari as a true patriot, saying “I trust that you will put your vast experience and knowledge of the country, its people and the connections you established with other countries of Africa and the world during your almost two years of leadership of the country to bear in the running of a united and all inclusive government that will revitalize all sectors of Nigerian life,” he pointed out.
He also congratulated Nigerians for their support and perseverance as well as listening to the wise counsel of leaders, elders and our well-wishers in ensuring a rancour free general election, “especially the discipline, tolerance and maturity they exhibited before, during and after the last election.”
Shagari commended president Goodluck Jonathan for his foresight, courage, maturity and patriotism for conceding defeat even before the final result was announced, noting that this is highly commendable.