From Tunde Omolehin, Sokoto
The Federal Government has promised to assist the Sokoto State Government in rebuilding its central market that was gutted by fire last week.
The Chief of Staff to the President Muhammadu Buhari, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, disclosed this on Monday when he led a federal delegation to condole with the Government and people of Sokoto.
He said the President was worried about the extent of destruction by wrought by the inferno and has assured of his readiness to assist the state in rebuilding the burnt central market.
Prof Gambari, describing the incident as unfortunate, said that the President felt bad that it will not only affect traders but also the economy of the state.
‘Mr President sent us here on solidarity with the state and to console the people of the state over the recent fire incidence that rock the state,’ the Chief of Staff stated.
‘He directed us to offer his condolence on behalf of the federal government and to assure you of the federal government support to the state in the rebuilding process of the market
‘To assure you how the issue was to him, he sent a powerful delegation comprising three ministers, senator and a former governor of the state and his Chief of Staff on this visit.
Former Sokoto Governor Aliyu Wamakko also condoled with the Government and people of the state and prayed against future occurrence.
Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, in his response, expressed his appreciation to the presidential delegation, describing as ‘highly commendable’ the President’s concern for the state.
‘We thank him (Buhari) for this love and care from him which is what is expected of a leader like him,’ the governor stated.
He said the loss in the market can not be easily quantified, as it does not only serve the state and but also international customers.
‘Over sixty per cent of the market were affected by the inferno, to tell you the extent of the damage suffered in the market.
‘We appeal for the Federal Government for support not only to the State Government but also to the traders who have suffered immensely due to the unfortunate incident,’ he added.
The delegation also included Minister for Communication and Digital Economy Ali Pantami, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster, Hajia Sadiya Umar Faruk and Minister for Police Affairs Maigari Dingyadi.