By Gabriella Augustine
Two groups, the North East Progressive Forum, NEPF and the Yobe Youth Forum, YYF, have commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State over the nomination of Barrister Bashir Bukar Ba’ale as the chairman, Board of North East Development Commission, NEDC.
NEPF in a statement by its leader, Comrade Muhammed Hassan, described the nomination of Ba’ale as a landmark achievement in the history of the commission and expressed hope of a total turnaround in the North East region.
It, therefore, emphasized the need for urgent confirmation of Ba’ale by the Senate as the chairman of the NEDC.
“While wishing him the best in the new assignment, the group expressed belief that Barrister Ba’ale would justify the confidence reposed in him by President Buhari towards achieving total transformation of the North East Development Commission and new strategies and policies that will bring new hope for the people of the North East,” it stated.
NEPF also said that the appointment of Ba’ale would bring a new lease of life to the North East considering the devastating effects of insecurity in the region.
Similarly, the YYF commended Governor Buni and All Progressives Congress Party, APC for their support towards the nomination of Ba’ale by President Buhari.
The group, in a statement by its president, Alhaji Muhammed Usman, said Governor Buni and chieftains of APC had made a right choice by nominating Ba’ale to the NEDC, noting that his doggedness and innovation will change the narratives in the entire North East.
It, therefore, appealed to the Senate to accede to the request of President Buhari by confirming the nomination of the board chairman and members of the commission.
The YYF called on stakeholders in the North East to give maximum cooperation to the board members to collectively realize the dreams and visions of developing states in the region.
It also called on Nigerians to give support to the incoming administration under the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinibu to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
Ba’ale is the Founder of B.B Bale Foundation, a non governmental organization, NGO that carries out lots of intervention to the victims of Boko Haram and recovery of the people in the North East region.
He also holds Masters Degree in Humanitarian and Refugee Studies and Masters in International Humanitarian Law, which will no doubt help the NEDC in a greater way.