Security was tight in and around Katsina metropolis thursday when the acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, was in the state for a one-day working visit.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that joint security personnel were posted to various strategic places in the state capital, Katsina, including the emir’s palace.
A combined team of armed soldiers and mobile police were posted to the emirs palace, Government House and the state secretariat where the acting president was scheduled to visit.
Some of the security personnel were seen patrolling major streets of Katsina metropolis, while others were stationed at selected roundabouts in the ancient city.
Armed soldiers and policemen were also seen at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport where the Osinbajo’s aircraft had landed.
During the visit, the Acting president launched the pilot edition of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMESs) clinic for viable enterprises in the state.
The event was organised by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) under the Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industries.
The Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir, who welcomed Osinbajo to his palace, called on the federal government to extend the Kaduna-Kano rail line to Katsina to boost economic and industrial activities in the state.
The emir said: “At present, the railway line terminates in Kano, but I am calling on the federal government to extend it to Katsina.
“Extension of the rail line will assist in boosting socio-economic activities in Katsina State.â€
The monarch also said Katsina State had always been peaceful and the people were hospitable, stressing that the railway line would be accepted by the entire people of the state.
He stressed the need for peaceful coexistence among people, irrespective of their religious and ethnic affiliations.
The emir also urged the federal government to upgrade the airport in Katsina.
He said an upgrade would also assist in enhancing economic activities in the state.
Responding, Osinbajo assured the emir that the federal government would look into the requests.
He explained that plans were already under way to upgrade six airports in the country to international standards.
Osinbajo commended the emir for making Katsina one of the most peaceful cities in the federation, noting that the peace enjoyed in the state could not be achieved without the efforts of the traditional rulers and leaders.
He stressed the importance of peace without which no meaningful development could be attained.
