Ridwan Adewuyi
President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday paid tribute to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his style of leadership in Borno State.
Buhari’s commendation was delivered by Minister of State for Agriculture, Mustapha Baba Shehuri while addressing Borno stakeholders at the multi purpose hall of the government house in Maiduguri.
“Mr. President specifically acknowledged the examplary, unique and selfless style of leadership stride you displayed in the distribution of Covid-19 palliatives, direct cash transfer/empowerment, construction of houses for the internally displaced persons, their return to their respective places of origin with dignity while vigorously pursuing the reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement of their livelihood; the construction of houses for civil servants, and rehabilitation of schools, the employment of 776 new teachers to join Borno Secondary schools in three (3) weeks.”
“The ongoing civil service reforms; N23. 5 million support for the bereaved families of 47 fallen soldiers killed by Boko Haram, the donation of N20 million and a house to the family of Late Col. Dahiru Chiroma Bako and the provision of 65 million to 8,000 widows and other people in critical needs as a result Boko Haram’s unholy activities in Rann had all marvelled Mr. President. No wonder you were named Nigerian Muslim personality of the year 2019.” The minster said.
The minster was in Maiduguri on President Buhari’s directives to all members of the Federal Executive Council to meet with stakeholders in their respective states in bringing lasting peace.
In his address, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum commended the youth in Borno for the restrain shown by not partaking in a protest in view of the relative peace the state is now enjoying.
“Let me specifically appreciate the restrain shown by the youth in Borno, we are known for obedience to constituted authority and peace and therefore all stakeholders should realize that attack onn one is attack on all. Every section of the society must use constitutional means to express their political or social grievances and not to resort to violence.” Zulum said.
The Governor also warned that Borno has already gone through enough to contain another crisis.
“Borno has passed through the worst humanitarian disaster even in the recent history of our state and we should not allow any section of the State to take advantage of the current situation in the country to exacerbate the security conditions as we are now witnessing great improvement in view of several efforts made by both the federal and state government to end insurgency.” Zulum said.
The Governor also noted that peaceful protest is an undeniable constitutional rights of citizens to express their grievances, however, people should not resort to destruction of lives and properties and should always imbibe dialogue as means and ways of settling disputes.
Governor Zulum also appreciates President Buhari’s tireless efforts for using all available means to end the insurgency and for sending a cabinet member to meet with all stakeholders in their states with a view to calming the security situation in the country as a result of the EndSARS protest.