Former Senate Leader and Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, has lauded President Bola Tinubu and Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, for the successful return and resettlement of Nigerians displaced by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province insurgents.
Ndume’s commendation comes amid the ongoing repatriation of thousands of Borno indigenes who had fled to neighbouring Cameroon at the height of the North-East insurgency.
The former Senate Chief Whip noted that the coordinated efforts of the Federal Government, Borno State authorities, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have fast-tracked the safe return of displaced persons, particularly those from the Minawao refugee camp in Cameroon.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, Ndume praised both levels of government for sustaining the resettlement programme, which he said has restored hope to communities devastated by over a decade of violence.
He remarked, “The tripartite agreement between the Federal Government, Borno State, the Cameroonian Government, and UNHCR has ensured the dignified repatriation and relocation of Nigerians from Minawao back to Gwoza Local Government Area. I commend the initiative and active participation of the Borno State Government in this resettlement effort.”
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Ndume also applauded Governor Zulum for restoring electricity to Gwoza, which had remained without power for more than ten years following destruction by insurgents. “The efforts to bring light back to Gwoza are commendable. The Governor fulfilled his promise during the installation of the Emir of Bama, and the people now feel hope again,” he added.
The voluntary return of Nigerian refugees—many of whom have been in Cameroon since 2017was facilitated under a framework signed in Yaoundé by Nigerian and Cameroonian officials, with the UNHCR ensuring the process remained safe, voluntary, and dignified.
