FG ready to assist Sokoto rebuild burnt market — Gambari
The Federal Government has announced its readiness to assist Sokoto State in rebuilding the Central market that was razed by fire last week Tuesday.
The Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari, stated this when he led a Federal Government delegation to condole the people and government of the state on Monday.
Other members of the delegation are former governor of Sokoto State, Aliyu Wammako, Minister for Communications, Ali Pantami, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster, Sadiya Faruk and Minister for Police Affairs, Maigari Dingyadi.
Gambari, who described the incident as unfortunate and regrettable, said the president felt bad as a result of the incident, as it will not only affect the 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 unfortunate fire incident. He directed us to offer his condolence on behalf of the Federal Government and to assure you of the government’s support to the state in the rebuilding process of the market.”
In his brief remarks, Wamakko said, “Mr President was so pained that he actually wanted to come by himself but as he couldn’t due to other official engagements, he decided to send a powerful delegation to come down for this condolence visits.”
Responding, Governor Aminu Tambuwal expressed his appreciation to the delegation and commended Buhari for his support to the state at this trying time.
He said, “The President had earlier released a statement through the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, consoling the traders and people of the state over the incidence.
“We thank him for this love and care, which is what is expected of a leader like him.
“The market has about 14,000 shops originally and in addition to the makeshift of 2,000, makes it about 16,000 shops. Over sixty percent of the shops was affected by the inferno, to tell you the extent of the damage suffered in the market.”
He said the loss in the market can not be easily quantified, as it does not only serve the state and its environment but also international customers.
