by Ranti Joseph
President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday has visited Mubi in Adamawa State, more than three months after Nigerian troops recaptured the town from the insurgent group, Boko Haram.
The president arrived Yola International Airport at about 10.45a.m accompanied by the chief of Air Defence Staff and all the service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police. He later travelled by helicopter to Mubi.
Jonathan met with the Emir of Mubi, Isa Ahmadu, at the palace of the emir, Jonathan reportedly had a closed door meeting with Ahmadu and the security chiefs.
He also visited Vintim Village, the home town of Nigeria’s Defence Chief, Alex Badeh, which had earlier been recovered from the insurgents.
Jonathan is expected to leave Adamawa for Borno later on Thursday where he is expected to visit Baga, another town recently recovered from the Boko Haram.
The president’s Baga visit comes a day after the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Kenneth Minima, visited troops in Baga where he promised that all the soldiers who partook in the Baga battle would be promoted.
A top security chief in Borno State confirmed the president’s expected visit to Baga. “Of course the President will be going to Baga today but the trip is not being handled by us here. I believe it is not something big but just a confidence building visit for the troops,” he said.
Jonathan and his administration have been widely criticised for their handling of the Boko Haram crisis, and the failure of the government to stem attacks against civilians. Ahead of elections, the government has apparently stepped up effort against the terror group with multiple towns liberated by soldiers.
GEJtill2019