Governors Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State and Ibrahim Shettima of Borno yesterday told the National Economic Council in Abuja that Boko Haram militants were still in the Sambisa forest in Borno State while five local government areas in the two states were still under their occupation.
Speaking at the meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the governors called for increase in military deployment and provision of sophisticated military equipment.
On cattle rustling and banditry, Kaduna State Governor Nasir e-Rufai told the council that most of the cattle rustlers were in the Kumuku National Park which if not properly handled could result in another Sambisa forest.
Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola suggested that “a special economic angle” be introduced in addition to military intervention to deal with the Boko Haram insurgency.
On the federal government’s approved intervention funds for states to pay salaries, CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele briefed the council on the restructuring of bank loans for the states and payment of salary arrears.
Emefiele told the council that following meetings with banks, it was agreed that existing loans should be restructured for a minimum of 20 years while salary arrears be restructured for a minimum of 15 years, and not exceeding 20 years.
The CBN governor added that states could choose from two options which include the bond that will attract market rate as well as the debt restructuring option that will attract single digit rate.
The council resolved that a four-man team comprising the governors of Bauchi, Rivers, Ondo and Osun States follow up with the CBN to ensure that the issues of Excess Crude collateral for the states are sorted out by next Tuesday. The council received a presentation from the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance on the Excess Crude proceeds.