The Borno state government has called on the federal government to deploy the use of technology in protecting critical national assets.
Borno state Governor Babagana Zulum made the call during a special townhall meeting to address vandalisation of Power and Telecommunications Infrastructure held in Maiduguri.
Governor Babagana Zulum described the choice of Maiduguri for the townhall meeting as timely as most part of Borno state have been plunged into darkness for about nine months due to activities of Boko Haram.
He said the insurgents brazenly destroyed electricity towers along Maiduguri-Damaturu road, thereby subjecting people of the state into untold hardship, particularly those who depend on electricity for their livelihood.
According to Professor Zulum, the state government had at different times mobilised resources to support the federal government in fixing the destroyed towers but to no avail.
Governor Babagana Zulum expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the establishment of thermal and solar energy plants as alternative sources of energy to the state.
Senate President Ahmed Lawan represented by Chairman Senate Committee on Information Senator Abdullahi Sankara commended the federal ministry of Information for embarking on the campaign.
Shehu of Borno Alhaji Abubakar Garbai Elkanemi and Secretary Borno Elders Forum Dr Bulama Mali Gubio called on the federal to arrest and prosecute all those found wanting in destroying power and Telecommunication installations.
Theatre Commander Operation Hadin Kai Major General Christopher Musa also confirmed that some unpatriotic people are sabotaging the effort of government in restoring power supply to the metropolis, calling on traditional and opinion leaders to step up sensitisation of their members.
At the end of meeting, participants stressed the need for continuous citizens engagement to address the recurring situation.
Cov/Dauda Iliya