Nathan Sharibu, the father of Leah, one of the Dapchi schoolgirls still held by Boko Haram insurgents, has on Monday commended the outgoing Senate President, Bukola Saraki for his donation to the girl’s family.
Saraki had on Sunday instructed the National Assembly management to distribute all of his severance allowances to the families of some victims of the Boko Haram who lost their loved ones, including the Sharibus’, whose daughter, Leah, is still in captivity.
Aside from Leah’s parents who will get 20% of the package, 20 per cent is also to be paid to the family of Hauwa Liman, one of the two aid worker brutally murdered by Boko Haram after she was captured in Rann, the headquarters of KalaBalge local government of Borno state.
“Another 20 per cent is to be donated to the family of the second aid worker, Hussain Ahmed Khoisan, also murdered in the same circumstance, by Boko Haram.
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He added that the remaining 40 per cent should be used by the National Assembly management to set up a Trust Fund that would assist children of deceased members of the eight Senate who are in financial need for their education.
In his reaction, Sharibu said “we read it on the internet last night and we were struck with mix feelings.”
“Each time we hear the name of our daughter mentioned in the media, our expectation is to hear the good news of her release. But, yesterday, we heard what the Senate President said should be extended to Leah’s family.
“We thank him, not necessarily because he is giving out money; no. But for the fact that he still has our daughter in mind; and that gives us a lot of hope that Nigeria has not forgotten her.
“Money is good, but what can be compared to having our dear daughter back in our arms? That means a lot to us.”
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