…Urges Farmers To Cooperate With Soldiers
By Ndahi Inusa, Maiduguri
To reduce the high cost of living occasioned by the withdrawal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government, the governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday, released 80 buses and pick up vans for free transportation of farmers from their communities to their farmsteads.
The 80 vehicles meant for transportation purposes only comprise 50 luxurious buses to be allocated from the fleet of the Borno Express Corporation, a state-owned transport company, while the 30 pick-up vans will be hired and provided by the state government.
Governor Zulum said, “We are here purposely to support the farmers, you can see thousands of them have gathered and their numbers can reach up to 100,000. Due to the removal of fuel subsidy, which although has a long-term benefit, cost of transportation has increased. Therefore, the Borno State government has decided to provide 50 buses (and 30 pick-up vans) to convey farmers to their farmlands during this rainy season.”
Meanwhile, Governor Zulum has appealed to farmers in the state to cooperate with soldiers providing security for the people and residents of Borno State.
The governor gave the advice while addressing thousands of farmers, urging them to cooperate with soldiers, the police and other security agencies deployed to roads to protect citizens, including farmers who go to outskirts to access their farmlands.
He said, “I want to urge you (farmers) to give maximum support and cooperation to the Nigerian military. They (soldiers) are here to protect you.”
The governor expressed gratitude to the military for their sacrifices in protecting Borno’s people, which is now enabling farming activities across the state.
