Buhari meets govs, EFCC chair, others in Saudi Arabia

The President, Major General  Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on the fifth day of his official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, received governors of Borno and Yobe states, Prof. Babagana Zulum and Mai Mala Buni, respectively, as well as Katsina State governor-elect, Dikko Radda.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Buhari met the governors at the Makkah Guest Palace.  He also received updates from some Nigerian government officials on situations back home, including Saturday’s supplementary elections in parts of the country.

At the Makkah Guest Palace where he is accommodated by the government of the host country, Buhari received briefings from the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa.

The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and a past Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), also updated the President on developments in their official assignments.

While responding to the briefing, the President said, “Whatever Nigeria has achieved today is due to the power of its democracy and the power of our institutions, which must continue to be strengthened.”

Speaking individually after the meetings, the governors of Borno and Yobe said they remained appreciative of the efforts of the President in curbing the threats of Boko Haram terrorists in their states and were happy that peace had been restored.

They promised to continue to work for the betterment of their people and remain loyal to the President.

The Chairman of the EFCC briefed the President on  efforts to conclude ongoing court cases and the plan to prosecute more offenders.

He also spoke to the President about the arrests of several suspects in connection with election fraud and the plan to take them to court.

On his part, the Katsina State governor-elect, Radda, gave assurances of his commitment to an open and transparent government in keeping up with his campaign promises.

After the meeting, the guests joined the President to observe the afternoon prayers.