Boko Haram: Senate President promises action on malnutrition in IDP camps in Borno

Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the President of the Senate, has promised that the National Assembly would address the problem of malnutrition in some Internally Displaced Persons camps in Borno State.
Saraki disclosed this while speaking with newsmen shortly after visiting a centre for the treatment of malnourished IDPs on Tuesday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
He said: “First of all, I must say that we have had the opportunity to see for ourselves firsthand the situation on ground.
“It is clear that the state government has done very well.
“The report we heard about those children was that some of them were not able to walk properly because of malnutrition.
“But we can see all of them now well nourished.
“I must commend the effort of the State Government in doing that.
“It has just confirmed that we still have a lot of work ahead.”
Saraki said he plans to table the issue of the increase in the cases of malnutrition in the IDP camps for deliberation on the floor of the Senate.
He said: “I am happy that I am here with the Leader of the Senate.
“Before we break, we will definitely discuss this issue on the floor and see what we can do.
“The Federal Government and all agencies need to step up to the game.
“I think it is not good for a country like ours.
“We are a rich country.
“It is just an issue of organising ourselves and getting the fund to support the state government.”
Saraki commended Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State for his efforts in providing support to the IDPs.
He said: “The state has been carrying too much of the load on their own, not only the government, but the private sector and lot of wealthy individuals.
“We all need to put in our efforts and see how we can address the situation because it is the women and children that have suffered most from this.
“We must do our best to play a role and support the state in doing that.”
Saraki expressed optimism that the proposed North East Development Commission would help provide solutions to some of the problems facing the area.
He said: “You know we are almost at the last stage of passing the law on the North East Development Commission into law.
“We believe that the institutional framework is necessary to start to address the situation.
“Once we pass the bill, the commission can start to work and begin to register the issues of rehabilitation and reconstruction that is important.
“I believe the lack of having the proper structure to coordinate the state donations, international donations and individuals is also hampering that.
“All the loads is now placed on the state government.
“If there is an institution that is mandated to do that, then it knows it has a responsibility and we are very keen to have this.
“We are at the last stage now.
“We want the commission to start work soonest.”
Saraki had earlier paid a condolence visit to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai, and the families of late statesman, Dr. Shettima Ali-Monguno, in Maiduguri as part of his visit.