*Seeks convocation
of North East Nigeria International Donors Conference
ABUJA – SENATE President, Bukola Saraki has hailed the
interventionist efforts of humanitarian workers in the North east, following
killings and destruction of property
in the geo-political zone.
in the geo-political zone.
This is even as
he called for the convocation of what he called “North East Nigeria
International Donors Conference, saying such was for the” sake of the thousands
of families that have had their lives uprooted by the terrorist actions of Boko
Hiram.”
In a statement,
yesterday, he explained that his recommendation was intended to begin the
relief, recovery and rehabilitation of the North east region.
Saraki’s
statement, personally signed by himself, was in commemoration of the World
Humanitarian Day, which came up yesterday.
He said the Senate would conduct a
public hearing on North East Nigeria for all stakeholders in the humanitarian
community, with the goal of developing a sustainable framework for the
situation there and future complex emergencies.
‘”Upon the resumption of the
8th Senate in September, we have prioritised the passage of the North East
Development Commission (NEDC) Bill. This legislation is intended to be the
primary rehabilitation and development program for the affected areas.
“With
the NEDC and the ongoing oversight and advocacy effort of the Senate, and the
National Assembly as a whole, we are working as hard as we can to provide
protection and relief for the North east, ‘”he said.
“I call for a North East
Nigeria International Donors Conference, which will review the interventions
thus far, identify the coordination and service-delivery gaps, and renew the
calls for donors to honour their pledges,'”the Senate President said. He added:
“On World Humanitarian Day, we want the internally displaced people (IDPs) of
North East Nigeria; the brave domestic (SEMA and NEMA) and international aid
agencies; and the security services to know that we are all one Nigeria, and we
must stand together during these challenging times.'”
Speaking on the efforts
of the humanitarian workers in the country so far, he said: ‘Today, in line
with the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly at its 63rd session
held in December 2008, we join the rest of the world to appreciate our unarmed
humanitarian workers who more often than others are exposed to extreme dangers
in difficult circumstances.
It is our respect and gratitude for their
contributions that has led the international communicate toto designate August
19 as World Humanitarian Day.
“As we continue to urge for more support and
appreciate people who put their sweat and blood on the line for the whole of
humanity, I enjoin Nigerians to continue to sustain and uphold the qualities of
compassion and selflessness to the less fortunate people.
I believe that it is
fitting to take the time for prayer and reflection to remember the victims of
conflict and other complex humanitarian crisis, and the brave men and women
around the world who selflessly and unflinchingly come to their aid.
“This
year’s World Humanitarian Day theme is “One Humanity”, this theme manifests my
favourite definition of humanitarianism, which is “the ethical doctrine that
humanity’s obligations are concerned wholly with the welfare of the human
race.”
“For the past year, I have closely monitored the severe humanitarian
crisis in North-East Nigeria. My visits to Borno State have made me keenly
aware of the tremendous challenge the situation poses to our domestic and
international response capabilities.
The coordination and material challenges
of this area are unprecedented in our country’s history, therefore, the crisis
demands an unprecedented intervention from Nigeria and the international
community.” (VANGUARDNGR)
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