Expdonaloaded News; Boko Haram: Buhari directs release of N5b FG’s pledge to Victims Support Fund

President Muham­madu Buhari has directed the Head of Service of the Federation, Danladi Kifasi, to facilitate the immedi­ate release of the N5 billion pledged by the Federal Gov­ernment since August 2014 for the Victims Support Fund (VSF).This is even as the Chair­man of the Victims Support Fund Committee, General Theophilus Danjuma (retd), has disclosed that out of the N55.92 billion pledged at the launch last year July, only N23 billion has been redeemed, while N33.54 was still outstanding, adding that the committee will embark on name and shame soon if all else fails.

The Jonathan administra­tion had July 31, last year launched the fund in its quest to raise funds to rebuild areas destroyed by terrorist sect, Boko Haram as well as reha­bilitate victims displaced.
Jonathan, had personally served as the Master of Cer­emony at the fundraising ceremony and led the donors by donating N10 billion on behalf of the Federal Govern­ment, adding that the fund would go a long way in pro­viding succour to the victims.
President Buhari gave the directive after receiving a briefing from the Danjuma led committee, at the Presidential Villa.
He urged the committee to ensure proper coordination with other government agen­cies providing support and assistance to victims of terror­ism.
Buhari assured the VSF Committee that his adminis­tration was taking proactive steps to defeat terrorism in the country.
He said that despite the challenge of acquiring much needed strategic equipment and weapons to confront the terrorists, the Nigerian mili­tary has recently gained much ground in its effort to defeat and degrade Boko Haram.
He added that the full de­ployment of the Multi-Nation­al Joint Task Force (MNJTF), under the auspices of mem­ber-states of Lake Chad Ba­sin Commission, will further boost ongoing military opera­tions against the insurgents.
Danjuma had earlier told the President that out of the N55.92 billion pledged, N33.54 billion was still out­standing, including N5 billion from the Federal Govern­ment.