President Goodluck Jonathan has announced the recapture, yesterday by the Nigerian military, of Michika town in Adamawa State from the control of Boko Haram insurgents.

Jonathan made the announcement yesterday afternoon at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign rally in the state capital, Yola.

The President also unfolded plans by the military to liberate Madagali town soon, adding that the area was the only remaining local government in Adamawa yet to be retaken from the insurgents.

His words: “Before this time, five local government areas in Adamawa were under the control of Boko Haram.

“But today, Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa has been recaptured from Boko Haram. And the only remaining local government, Madagali, will insha Allahu, be liberated.”

Jonathan re-iterated his administration’s commitment to recapture all the occupied territories in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

He dismissed insinuations from some quarters that the Presidency was behind Boko Haram activities in the North-East region for political advantages.

“I know the burden I am carrying because of Boko Haram and the daily conversations I used to have with some world leaders,” Jonathan said.

He said that he would never forget Adamawa for being kind to him in the 2011 general elections, where he got over 65 per cent votes.

On the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the President said Ribadu was an experienced person that he would work together with to bring an end to Boko Haram.

In his address, Vice President Namadi Sambo announced the award of contract for the construction of Kiri and Jada dams in the state.

He said that the projects would serve the purposes of hydro-electric power and agriculture.

According to him, the two projects, when completed, will boost economic activities and create more jobs opportunity for the people of the state.

Sambo also said that the Jonathan-led administration would dredge River Benue to Yola to improve water ways transportation.

“Let me announce to you that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has awarded the construction of Kiri and Jada dams,” he said, adding:

“These projects will serve the purposes of hydro electricity power and agriculture, which will boost economic activities.

“I also have good news for you that Mr. President has approved the dredging of River Benue to Yola.”

Also addressing party faithful, Prof. Jibril Aminu, former Senator representing Adamawa Central senatorial district, said that Jonathan’s landmark achievements qualified him for re-election.

Aminu said that Jonathan’s profile was a pride to the educated elite.

“Late President Umaru Yar’Adua was the first university graduate to emerge as Nigerian president. Your academic qualification is a pride to those of us in education, especially those of us from the university community and for this, I say carry go,” Aminu said.

He also gave an assurance that the state would vote PDP as it had always done in the past.

According to him, Adamawa has been a PDP state and it will continue to be a PDP state.

•Adapted from a NAN report. Photo shows Nigerian troops on duty in the North-East.

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