By Inusa Ndahi, Maiduguri
IN an effort to cushion the economic challenges faced by all and sundry following removal of fuel subsidy and the increasing depreciation of the Naira against the dollar in open market, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, representing Borno Central Senatorial District, has on Monday distributed palliatives to about 1,720 constituents in eight Local Government Areas of his constituency.
In a Colourful ceremony at Multipurpose Hall, Government House, Maiduguri, the first time federal lawmaker said the gesture is part of fulfilling his campaign promises.
Barrister Lawan who admitted that there is hunger in the land, stressed that the Federal Government is much more worried over the recent economic situations faced by average Nigerians, but expressed hope that there is going to be light at the end of the tunnel, as all tiers of government is currently working to make life better for all.
“I want to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, our indefatigable Governor, Babagana Zulum, our Deputy National Chairman (North) of our great All Progressives Congress, APC and all other stakeholders as well as teaming supporters for giving the the mandate to represent Borno Central at the Red Chamber.
“During the course of our electioneering campaigns, we have made several promises one of which is to empower our constituents, and this is just the beginning.
“Today is the first phase which include Tricycles a.k.a Keke Napep, sewing machines, water pump machines, electric generators, grinding and, block moulding machines, deep freezers, with N20,000 cash to each beneficiarynas transport fare among others.” Senator Lawan stated.
Furthermore the senator said, “the beneficiaries are mostly victims of insurgency and vulnerable people drawn from the communities of Borno Central who were strategically selected devoid of any political inclination or ethnic considerations.
“We will try to do our best to ensure that we cushion the effects of hardship experienced as a result of the economic meltdown in the country.
“We are going to establish a constituency office in the next couple of weeks where our constituents will have the opportunity to have interactions with us.
“This will enable us to listen to our people in order to solve their immediat problems.by God grace.”
While unveiling the palliatives to the beneficiaries, Borno Governor Babagana Zulum said, Borno state politicians are doing their best in bringing development to their people compared to politicians in other states.
His words: ” I am very grateful for our politicians, especially those in authorities. This cannot be achieved without commitment and discipline, we need to support them in order for them to do more for our people, you see Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan who has just spent only six months in the national assembly did wonderfully well”.
“The effort was a reminder of his campaign promise to contribute to the growth and development of small and medium businesses in Borno Central Senatorial District, which has also complement efforts of the Borno State Government under my able leadership, we really commend you Senator Lawan”.
On his part, the APC Deputy National Chairman North, Ali Bukar Dalori, urged the beneficiaries to use the items given to them to increase their incomes which would assist them became economically self reliant.
“These items will help you to start a business that will sustain your family in this critical moment of economic meltdown in the country”.
In his remark, the Borno state Chairman of the ruling APC, Hon. Bello Ayuba, who also gave vote of thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries, described the gesture as timely, taking into consideration the current economic hardship faced by the people.
