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Zulum swears in 27 LG chairmen, warns against waste, absenteeism
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday swore in and formally charged the 27 newly elected Local Government Council (LGC) chairmen, tasking them to prioritise workers’ welfare, security, transparency, and grassroots development.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Government House Multipurpose Hall in Maiduguri, attracted a large crowd of party supporters and residents from across the state.
Speaking through the acting governor and deputy governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur, Zulum stressed that the timely payment of salaries and staff entitlements was non-negotiable, while insisting that local government workers must report promptly to duty to enhance productivity and restore discipline.
The governor urged the chairmen to be prudent and strategic in managing public resources, describing them as the lifeline of their communities.
“You must be guardians of every naira, aligning every project and programme with the pillars of our 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative,” he said.
He cautioned against vanity projects, urging the chairmen to focus on interventions that directly improve lives, security, and human dignity.
“You are accountable to God Almighty, the law, and the people. Your offices must be temples of transparency. Engage your communities and welcome scrutiny. The era of government as a closed entity is over,” Zulum declared.
The governor further warned against absentee leadership, insisting that the chairmen must reside and work within their respective local government areas.
“Your office is not a throne; it is a workstation in the midst of your people. Your presence is vital for security, oversight, and for the people to feel your impact,” he said.
Zulum also charged them to work closely with security agencies and traditional institutions, pay close attention to security challenges, and combat illegal mining and deforestation to protect the environment.
He directed the Ministry for Local Government and Emirate Affairs to intensify supervision of council activities to ensure effective service delivery.
The governor commended the immediate past council chairmen for what he described as their dedication and selfless service, wishing them success in their future endeavours.
“You have not just won an election; you have entered into a covenant with the people of Borno State. This ceremony is not a celebration of power but an induction into a furnace of responsibility,” he said.
Zulum congratulated the chairmen on their peaceful election conducted by the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission (BOSIEC), which he described as free and fair, noting that their success was critical to the implementation of the state’s 25-Year Development Plan and the 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Hon. Sugun Mai Meleh, urged the chairmen to remain focused on grassroots development through the execution of capital projects, people-oriented programmes, and humanitarian services in line with the state’s development blueprint.
He commended BOSIEC for conducting a hitch-free election and thanked Governor Zulum for supporting credible local government polls. He also acknowledged the Borno State House of Assembly for extending the tenure of council chairmen from two to three years.
Sugun Meleh warned against financial recklessness, stressing that his ministry would not hesitate to sanction any official found wanting in the discharge of duties. He urged the chairmen to govern with humility, inclusiveness, and a strong commitment to the protection of lives and property.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Bukar Tijani, advised the chairmen to involve their people in governance, uphold discipline, and remain accountable to the state government, the ministry, and the House of Assembly.
The Nation reports that Governor Zulum has conducted three circles of local government elections since his assumption of office as governor in 2015.
The Federal Government has expressed serious concern over the rising cases of Nigerian citizens being illegally recruited to participate in foreign armed conflicts, warning that such activities pose grave risks to lives and violate both national and international laws.
This was made known in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, who disclosed that the recent media investigations and security reports revealed that several Nigerians were allegedly recruited under false pretences, including promises of lucrative employment, security jobs, educational opportunities, or migration incentives.
Many of the victims were reportedly deployed to active combat zones after being misled or coerced into signing military service contracts.
“Recruitment tactics often involve deceptive offers of high monthly salaries, signing bonuses, and fast-tracked citizenship,” the Ministry noted.
In some cases, victims were compelled to sign contracts written in foreign languages without proper legal guidance, while their travel documents were allegedly confiscated upon arrival. Reports also indicate the involvement of intermediaries who facilitate travel under tourist or other non-military visa categories.
The Nigerian government unequivocally warned citizens against accepting any offer that involves participation in foreign armed conflicts, stressing that such actions endanger lives and may contravene laws regulating mercenary activities and foreign enlistment.
“Individuals who engage in such activities outside approved governmental frameworks do so at their own risk,” the Ministry emphasised.
To curb the trend, the government is working with relevant domestic and international partners to investigate developments and intensify public awareness of the dangers of illegal recruitment.
Nigerian missions abroad have also been directed to strengthen consular vigilance and provide timely advisory services to citizens.
The Ministry further called on parents, guardians, community leaders, and educational institutions to educate young Nigerians about the risks associated with deceptive foreign recruitment schemes. Citizens were advised to verify all overseas employment or study opportunities through official government channels and to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
The Nigerian government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of its citizens at home and abroad, reiterating that citizens must not be exploited or trafficked into foreign armed conflicts under any circumstances.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sympathised with traders and residents of Kano following a devastating fire outbreak at Singer Market, ordering a comprehensive investigation into the recurring incidents.
The fire, which reportedly started on Saturday evening and raged into Sunday morning, causing extensive damage to the popular food market, destroying goods and leaving many traders counting their losses.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the incident as tragic and expressed deep concern over the impact on livelihoods.
President Tinubu said he had reached out to Abba Kabir Yusuf to obtain a firsthand-situation report on the disaster.
“This tragic incident is deeply concerning, especially coming less than two weeks after another fire outbreak at the same market. My thoughts are with the affected traders and their families,” the President was quoted as saying.
He directed relevant authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into the causes of the repeated fires, stressing that urgent measures must be taken to prevent future occurrences.
“The recurring market fires that leave our hardworking traders in despair must be addressed decisively. I have ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the causes and recommend lasting solutions,” Tinubu stated.
Ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has accused the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) of procuring a highly toxic chemical compound, thallium sulphate, allegedly capable of being used for assassinations.
In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, El-Rufai claimed that information available to opposition political leaders suggested that the office of the National Security Adviser, headed by Nuhu Ribadu, had imported approximately 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from a supplier in Poland.
The former governor said he had formally written to the ONSA seeking urgent clarification over the alleged transaction, describing the matter as one of grave public concern.
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