Emir Reveals The True Situation In Potiskum

The Emir of Fika, Dr Muhammadu Ibn Abali Muhammadu Idrissa, has revealed the true nature of things in Potiskum town, Yobe state.

The Emir in an interview with a Daily Independent correspondent on Thursday spoke on the effect of the insurgency in the northeast as well as on election matters.

Idrissa, who is the chairman of Yobe State Council of Chiefs, said Potiskum used to be full of social and economic activity in the past compared to now.

Read the full interview below:

Sir, how has the insurgency affected economic activities in your domain?

In the past, Potiskum used to be full of social and economic activities; if we go back to year 2010 when we held our official installation ceremony here in Potiskum, you need to see a large crowd of people rejoicing with us and commercial activities were very high and attractive compared to now. Potiskum is now a shadow of itself due to the insurgency and terrorist activities.

Potiskum was in the past a cosmopolitan town with people from different parts of the country, most of them chose to be here because of the strategic location of the town, it is a gateway that links many states like Borno, Gombe, Adamawa, Bauchi and Jigawa. So it has that advantage of business transaction but now when you see the town is almost like a deserted town, most of the people have left, this has affected the economic and social life of Potiskum; if you take into consideration having one of the largest cattle market in West Africa, it also has a very big grains market whereby on the market days of Sunday you can load up to one hundred trucks, thereby offering many people means of living, but now people have witnessed a downturn, the insurgency have affected the economy of our people, many of the business men have been grounded, have lost their capital where investors are afraid to come.

As a result of the insurgency people who fled the town are no longer coming for almost three years, there are no longer visitors to come and buy the cattle and other goods; this has affected the economic and social activities of Potiskum.

Has it also affected the banking sector in Potiskum?

Yes! In the past we used to have over six functional banks operating successfully in Potiskum but now only three are operational, namely Bank of the North, First Bank and Keystone Bank respectively. Our civil servants suffer, especially during salary payments as some travel out to collect their salaries.

As a paramount ruler and chairman of the traditional council, what are you doing for insurgents to lay down arms to pave way for peace?

Yes, thank you. As you said restoration of peace has been our concern, we are always appealing for peace even during the height of insurgency where, that time you daily witness attack here and there.

We are appealing to the insurgents to cease fire and also our people should embrace peace leading to the government using force in trying to subdue; generally we are always soliciting for peaceful co-existence among our people, especially now that elections are coming.

What is your message to politicians?

They should preach peace, shun violence, be tolerant, and avoid use of abusive words during campaigns, not to allow their followers carry weapons before, during and after elections. In this respect we have been holding meetings with our district heads, village heads and community leaders; we asked them to talk to parents to pass the message to the youths to love peace because without peace there will be no development. We need this peace, especially in the North East where the insurgency has had negative effect on the living conditions of the people. We need peace and we are always praying for peace to our dear country Nigeria.

Any advice for people of the North East?

People should be vigilant, be patriotic in reporting any suspicious movements of unknown persons so that peace could be regained successfully.

Recall that at least 22 people were killed while 200 others were injured on Tuesday, February 24, as a suicide bomber attacked a bus in Potiskum, Yobe state.

Source: Legit.ng