President Bola Tinubu has said the flood that desolated most of Maiduguri was a “natural disaster” that no individual should be blamed for.
Tinubu spoke on Monday when he paid a visit to Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.
On September 10, Alau Dam, which had been at maximum capacity in the weeks before, collapsed. This brought about the worst flooding in the state in 30 years.
The disaster affected swathes of Maiduguri, resulting in the displacement of over 400,000 residents and the death of over 30 persons.
The state experienced severe flooding in 1994 when the dam collapsed, bringing about the destruction of crops and property. Six northern states — Kebbi, Kaduna, Sokoto, Katsina, Kwara, Plateau, and some parts of Cameroon — were also negatively affected.
The president paid visits to the Borno government house, Shehu of Borno palace, and the camp of internally displaced persons (IDP).
Tinubu said government cannot allot blame for the disaster.
“This disaster was a natural one. It was not the making of anybody,” Tinubu was quoted as saying in a statement from Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy.
“We cannot pass the blame. We pray that the Almighty Allah will receive the souls of the departed and grant them eternal rest.
“May God also overlook their shortcomings and misdeeds on earth.”
Tinubu added that he has “been reflecting on how to tackle this kind of disaster and the effects of climate change”.
He then announced the establishment of a disaster relief fund, noting that he will invite the private sector to work together in the rebuilding of affected Borno communities.
“There must be a disaster relief fund. I will invite the private sector to team up with us and help rebuild the affected areas,” Tinubu added.
“If we take a small percentage from FAAC and put it as a disaster relief fund, which will include all of you, we will be activating and strengthening our sense of belonging.”
The senate president, Godswill Akpabio, who accompanied Tinubu on the visit, said that the national assembly will collaborate with the executive to create the fund.