Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has tasked the Borno State governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum to use the last week flood disaster in the state to show his leadership and courage qualities to overcome the unfortunate event.

In a message of sympathy to the governor, copy which was made available to newsmen, by his Special Assistant on Media,  Kehinde Akinyemi in Abeokuta, Obasanjo expressed his heartfelt sympathy to the Government and the people of Borno State for the huge loss of lives and property caused by the recent flood disaster.

The former President  noted that: "Although seasonal flooding is not uncommon in many parts of Nigeria, all available accounts indicate that what Borno State has just suffered was one of the most devastating incidents in recent times. 

"This is evidenced by the magnitude of the loss of human lives, harvested food-crops, farmlands, livestock, buildings and personal effects involved."

Obasanjo however stressed that "it is usually in the midst of disasters of this nature that the qualities of good leadership and courage become manifest. Permit me, therefore, to commend you and the Government of Borno State for the swiftness and efficacy with which you rose to the challenge, giving every possible support in your continued efforts to provide succor to those who have been dislocated.

"Once again, I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the State Government and the families of the deceased. May Almighty Allah comfort and strengthen those they left behind," the message stated.