The Yobe State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam on Friday claimed that his government has spent over N10 billion to solve problems created by the Boko Haram insurgency in the state since 2011.

Addressing a gathering at a fundraising ceremony for his re-election, Gaidam said within the said period, his administration had been playing a supportive role in meeting the logistics and other needs of security forces.

He listed areas of the support to include procurement of vehicles, payment of allowances, medical treatment for injured security personnel and assistance to families of those killed in the war, among others.

He regretted that the money expended in the fight against insurgency could have been used for provision of social services for the people of the state.

“Our accumulated expenditure from the beginning of the insurgency to date is over N10 billion. It is obvious that the security challenges have slowed down the execution of our policies and programmes because funds that could have been used for the provision of social services are being deployed to support the fight against insurgency,” Gaidam said.

He also expressed concern that the federal government which controls the security agencies had failed to permanently address the Boko Haram uprising.
Gaidam stated that from 3rd November 2014 to date, Yobe State had witnessed seven major attacks on Damaturu the state capital, Potiskum, Damagum, Geidam and Babangida.

He said the All Progressive Congress (APC) was reaching out to concerned Nigerians to understand the importance of change by giving APC an opportunity to practicalise its manifesto.

He described the security situation across the North-east as unfortunate, calling on the people to strengthen their resolve and commitment to ensure victory for the APC so as to change the pathetic security situation.

The governor promised to consolidate on the achievements so far recorded and solicited the support of the people towards the realisation of his dreams for the state.

Gaidam, who thanked those that contributed towards his re-election, said the money would be used for advertisement and campaigns in the media apart from logistics.

Over N495 million was realised from the fund raising which drew friends, family members and well-wishers of the governor.