Emir Appeals To FG On Maiduguri Road

The Emir of Shani in Borno, Alhaji Muhammadu Mailafiya, on Sunday, appealed to the Federal Government to intensify efforts in rehabilitating the dilapidated Maiduguri-Biu-Yola road to reduce the hardship faced by motorists in the area.

Mailafiya made the appeal when he received member of House of Representatives representing Biu, Shani, Bayo and Kwaya Kusar constituency, Hon. Mukhtar Betara, on a courtesy visit in his palace in Shani, headquarters of Shani local Government Area.

He expressed dismay over the failure of past governments to tackle the problem which subjected the communities to untold hardships.

According to him, there is urgent need for government to expedite action toward fixing the road due to its socio-economic viability.

He lamented that “in spite of the significance of the road, it suffered neglect by previous administrations.”

The emir said he believed that the present government of President Muhammadu Buhari would rehabilitate the road “because we have seen his willingness to repair Nigerian roads and the Maiduguri-Biu-Yola highway should not be an exception.”

The monarch added that majority of the population of the affected road were farmers and traders, saying the situation had undermined their sources of livelihood.

“Our people are farmers and traders but the bad condition of the road pose serious threat to their activities. Farmers are confronted with challenges in transporting their farm produce to urban areas, while traders are unable to cope with the rising cost of transporting their goods.

“We want Federal Government to urgently come to our aid,”

The traditional ruler further called on the lawmaker to use his position and table a motion to facilitate the inclusion of the project in the 2018 budget.

He commended the lawmaker for the giant strides and contributions toward the development of the area, saying “though we really appreciate your numerous interventions in various sectors, we still want you to push for the rehabilitation of that road.”

Responding, Betara assured the emir that he would do everything possible to ensure that he draw the attention of Federal Government to the dilapidated road for prompt action.

The legislator said he was in the area to donate to the people in the areas of health, education, poverty alleviation and skills acquisition.

He said “your Royal Highness, I am in your domain to distribute several hospital and educational equipment, as well as cash to the people as part of my poverty alleviation strategy.”