By Inusa Ndahi, Maiduguri
BORNO South Senator, Mohammed Ali Ndume yesterday unveiled the second phase distribution of 2,800 assorted bags of fertilizer to genuine farmers across the nine (9) local government areas.
Ndume said, the gesture which was facilitated through the federal ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is to rejuvenate agriculture and enhance bumper harvest in the zone.
Recall that the first phase was unveiled recently where a total of 16,000 people benefitted from across the Council areas of Biu, Damboa, Chibok, Gwoza, Hawul, Shani, Bayo, Askira- Uba and Kwaya Kusar.
Flagging off the exercise in Bayo, Ndume who is currently in Ghana for official engagement was represented by his legislative Aide who is also the Chairman of the distribution committee, Hon. Usman Aliyu Babandi.
Babandi was amongst the three people arrested, detained and hitherto released last week by the Police in Maiduguri over alleged plan to stage a solidarity rally at Biu in favour of the Senator who was removed as Chief Whip following an interview he granted to Arise News alleging serious hunger and insecurity under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Addressing Journalists at the venue of the peaceful distribution, Babandi appreciated the federal government, and in particular, Governor Babagana Zulum for their unflinching support to the senator and the people of Southern Borno.
He said: “We are here today as part of the distribution of additional 2,800 bags of fertilizer to our people. This is the second phase, as we have since distributed fertilizer and other farm inputs to 16,000 people since beginning of the rainy season.
” Let me use this opportunity to call on beneficiaries not to sale the product, but to use it for the purpose intended. I want to also commend the people of Southern Borno Senatorial District for not joining the nationwide protests, as they were mostly busy on their farms and engaging in other businesses”. He said.
On his recent arrest and detention for some days at the Police Headquarters in Maiduguri, Babandi said, “I give God the glory that all of us were released unconditionally. I think that is now history, but I thank Governor Babagana Zulum for playing a fatherly role over our illegal arrest and detention, which later led to our freedom”.
On insinuations that Babandi is making frantic move to aspire or contest for a high position come 2027, he said, “2027 general elections is still far, It is God that give Power to Whom He Deserves, and i leave everything to Allah (God) to determine my destiny”. He concluded.
In their separate vote of thanks, Mallam Isa Ali from Kwaya Kusar, Mohammed Gonguli from Hawul, Babayo Umoru from Bayo and Bello Yakubu from Biu among others applauded Senator Ndume for his good representation at the national assembly.
They all pledged not to sale the fertilizers given to them, but would use it on their crops to enhance agricultural productivity. End
