Buhari Meets with Borno, Yobe Govs, EFCC Chairman, Others in Makkah

* Receives briefing on concluded outstanding polls in some states

* Anti-graft agency hints of plan to prosecute suspected electoral offenders

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has received in audience in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, two state governors, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other top government officials.

The president, who met with the guests on the fifth day of his official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the weekend, shared warm moments with the two governors and other officials, during which he was updated on the on-going situations including the conclusion of the outstanding elections back home in Nigeria.

At the Makkah Guest Palace, where he is accommodated by the government of the host country, President Buhari, according to a release issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, received Governors Mai Mala Buni and Babagana Zulum of Yobe and Borno States respectively and the incoming Governor of Katsina State, Dr Dikko Umar Radda.

The others were the Chairman of the EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and a past Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai (rtd).

After listening to the briefs, Buhari said whatever Nigeria has achieved today is as a result of the power of its democracy and the power of the institutions which must continue to be strengthened.

Speaking individually after the meetings, the Governors of Borno and Yobe States said they remained appreciative of the efforts of the president in curbing the threats of Boko Haram terrorists in their states and were happy that peace had been restored.

The duo promised to continue to work for the betterment of their people and remain loyal to the president.

On his part, the chairman of the EFCC briefed the president on efforts to conclude ongoing court cases and the plan to prosecute more offenders.

He also briefed him on the arrests of several suspects in connection with election fraud and the plan to charge them to court.

Also speaking, the Governor-elect of Katsina State, Radda, gave assurances of his commitment to an open and transparent government as promised during the campaign.

After the meeting, the guests joined the president to observe the afternoon prayers.