The Government and People of Niger State have appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Government to come to the rescue of the state by addressing the infrastructural deficit and security challenges in the state.

These requests were made at the Presidential Villa in Abuja when Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello led a delegation of prominent Nigerlites on solidarity visit to the President.

The leader of the delegation and one time Military administrator of old Bauchi and Sokoto states, Lieutenant General Garba Duba (rtd), who spoke on behalf of the stakeholders said the quick intervention of federal government is required for the rehabilitation of federal roads in the state and provision of security on the roads so as to allow trailers and other heavy duty trucks ply the abandoned Truck A roads.

“Niger state is having a lot of problems with regards to security along our major roads. This include Jebba-Mokwa-Tegina-Birni Gwari road up to Kaduna. Trailers and tankers have abandoned that road because of lack of security. Most of these vehicles now pass through Mokwa-Bida-Minna road to Abuja or to Kaduna.

“We need reconstruction of these roads with additional security so that tanker drivers and other heavy duty trucks can go back to that road to continue their business.”

The state also sought for the quick completion of Baro Port and the 700 megawats Zungeru Hydro Electricity Dam.

Gen. Duba argued that quick completion of these projects would go a long way in boosting the socio-economic activities in the state.

He commended President Buhari for the honour done to the state and to the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, late Justice Idris Legbo, during his burial and the infrastructural and people-oriented projects embarked on by his administration across the county.

The Estu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, commended the President for providing the much needed leadership for the country at this critical and crucial time.

The royal father prayed for wisdom and strength for the President as he continue to pilot the affairs of country

In his remarks, President Buhari expressed disappointment with members of National Assembly on delay in passage of budgets which has slow down completion of projects across the country.

Buhari, who agreed with the delegation on importance of infrastructural development in socio-economic activities of the country, assured that his administration will pay more attention to the stretch of 2,150km federal roads in the state.

The President also re-assured the delegation that his administration will stay focused on securing lives and property, fighting corruption and stimulating the economy for more progress.

The delegation, which cut across political divide of the state, inluded the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ketso, Speaker, Rt Hon Ahmed Marafa, members of the national and state assemblies, members of the state executive council, traditional and religious leaders, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, the immediate past state governor, former Deputy governor, Shem Nuhu Zagbayi, captains of industry, former military governors, former ministers, former Federal Permanent Secretaries and members of the ruling and opposition parties.