Behold! Wind Of Change In Borno’s Third-tier Governance

By Dauda Iliya

A phenomenal wind of change is blowing across third-tier governance in Borno State, with the inauguration of the state’s 27 newly elected local government council chairmen, Thursday, January 29, as launchpad.

In a strategic shift in grassroots governance, named: Zulum’s New Formula, about sixty percent of the council chiefs are all under the age fifty, a historic departure from the dominant paradigm of majority above-sixty, and already aging-out, politicians holding the third-tier governance fort.

Most striking, however, is the fact that Governor Zulum has ensured fifteen percent of the chairmen are in their thirties—a novel and unprecedented development.

Moreover, over sixty percent of them hold bachelor’s or postgraduate degrees, combining knowledge, education and leadership, a pacesetting accomplishment in the annals of local government administration, at least in Northern Nigeria.

This novel grassroots governance approach has already produced results: several chairmen have prepared strategic blueprints aligned with the Governor’s 25-year development framework and 10-year strategic transformation plan.

The new chairmen were elected on 13th December 2025, in the third local government poll conducted under Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s administration within six and a half years.

The election fulfilled the provision of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates that local government areas be governed by elected officials—a principle recently reaffirmed by the Supreme Court.

Apart from the striking age shift, majority of these grassroots-governance new breeds were sieved from backgrounds in administration, political appointment, academia, business and, most-strikingly, practical farming.

Zulum’s New Formula is advised by the fact that the youth form the largest demographic group in Borno State, as is incontrovertibly the case in all states of the country, and have played a significant role in promoting the state’s peace and stability.

To, therefore, integrate them into governance, Governor Zulum has entrenched the trend of appointing many young people to political and public offices.

The newly inaugurated local council leadership is also gender-inclusive, with a considerable number of women elected as councillors and further opportunities emerging for women in both elective and appointive roles.

Prior to the inauguration, Governor Zulum submitted an executive communication to the House of Assembly seeking to amend the Local Government Administration Law 2000, extending chairmen’s tenure from two to three years. This responds to popular demand and allows greater time to initiate and deliver development projects.

As he administered the oath of office on them, that historic Thursday, Zulum whose massage was delivered by the acting Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur, charged them to be above board in the conduct of local governance and develop their local government areas in fulfillment of their respective realities and according to existing and emerging imperatives.

His aim is to put to shame, all doubting Thomases and pessimists about his pacesetting novel grassroots governance formula.

“As you take your oaths of Allegiance and Office, you have not just won an election, but you have accepted a covenant with the people of Borno State,” Zulum. He pointed out to the local council helmsmen, “You have volunteered to bear the weight of their hopes, their struggles and their aspirations for a better life at the grassroots, the very foundation of our society.”

The governor emphasized that their stewardship comes at a pivotal moment in the history of the state, and described them as the primary engines for the implementation of his 25-Year Development Plan and the immediate drivers of his 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative.

“Your success at the local level is the critical foundation for the Borno of our collective vision, a State of sustained peace, shared prosperity and renewed hope,” he charged.

Zulum underscored to them his profound passion for, and commitment to, his novel grassroots governance formula.

The resources you steward are the lifeline of our communities. You must be guardians of every Naira, aligning every project and programme with the pillars of our 10-Year Strategy. Focus on essentials that directly improve lives, security and dignity of our people. No vanity projects. Furthermore, I direct your immediate attention to the welfare of Local Government staff. Timely payment of salaries and entitlements is non-negotiable. In the same vein, all workers must report to their duty posts promptly. Productivity and discipline must be restored.

As he bade them farewell in their tortures grassroots governance voyage, he charged:

“The path ahead is steep, but the destination is worth the climb. You are the critical keystone for our long-term plan to transform Borno state. The legacy you leave begins today, with your integrity, your humility and your unwavering commitment to service. I have faith that you will be the leaders Borno State needs.”

Zulum, on one hand, and the massive assemblage of well-wishers, Doubting Thomases and pessimists, all on the other, watched the newly inaugurated local council helmsmen as they set their respective ships sailing across the turbulent sea of grassroots governance on a voyage to justify, or otherwise, the governor’s novel grassroots governance formula.

Whatever happens, a desirable wind of change is blowing across Borno State’s grassroots governance, purposefully for the lasting good of a state rising from the ruins of terror.

Dauda Iliya is the Special Adviser on Media/Spokesperson to the Borno State Governor

Behold! Wind Of Change In Borno’s Third-tier Governance

Woman Accuses Police of Shielding Officers in Husband’s Disappearance, Seeks Justice Through Courts

By: Michael Mike

Allegations of institutional cover-up have again put the Nigeria Police under scrutiny following claims by Mrs. Nnenna John-Anozie that senior police authorities are deliberately protecting officers linked to the abduction and disappearance of her husband, Mr. John Chukwuemeka Anozie.

Mrs. John-Anozie, at the weekend in Abuja accused the police of ignoring valid court orders and the outcomes of formal investigations, insisting that the actions of the Nigeria Police point to an internal network operating above the law.

According to her, the continued protection of the officers involved has not only obstructed justice but has also eroded public confidence in the institution constitutionally empowered to protect lives and liberties.

She described the police response to her case as a consistent and deliberate failure rather than an administrative lapse. “This is not just negligence; it is a betrayal of public trust,” she said, adding that the law is being openly disregarded by those sworn to uphold it. She maintained that the police authorities are fully aware of the circumstances surrounding her husband’s disappearance but have chosen not to act.

Mrs. John-Anozie further stated that contrary to public perception, the judiciary has not hindered her quest for justice. She explained that the court had ruled in her favour, but enforcement of the judgment has been frustrated by the police’s refusal to comply with binding orders. She warned that such disobedience undermines the authority of the courts and weakens the rule of law.

Her legal counsel, Mr. Vincent Adodo, has since approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, filing a contempt application against the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun. The application seeks an order compelling the police to produce for prosecution officers allegedly connected to the case — identified as Sunday Okpe, Anthony Obiozor Ikechukwu, Emeana Uzochukwu, John Eze, and an officer known as Oriole (also called Tboy) — as well as to release investigation records relating to the matter.

The contempt proceedings are scheduled to be heard on February 9, a date Mrs. John-Anozie describes as crucial not only for her family but also for accountability within law enforcement. She argues that the absence of effective mechanisms to enforce compliance with court orders has prolonged her ordeal and cast doubt on the integrity of the justice system.

Mrs. John-Anozie lamented that efforts to seek justice through the National Human Rights Commission and the EndSARS Judicial Panel seems to have failed as police officers ignored several summons and orders.

She said despite the lengthy process, she is determined to pursue justice through lawful means, stressing that only strict adherence to the rule of law can guarantee accountability, protect citizens’ rights, and restore confidence in public institutions.

Woman Accuses Police of Shielding Officers in Husband’s Disappearance, Seeks Justice Through Courts

Legacy Support Group Defends Tinubu’s Reforms, Faults Opposition Over “Misinformation”

By: Michael Mike

A pro-government group, the Legacy Support Group for President Bola Tinubu, has pushed back against criticisms of the Federal Government’s policies, accusing opposition figures and “disgruntled political actors” of spreading misinformation to undermine the administration’s reform agenda.

Speaking at the inauguration of the group in Abuja at the weekend, its National Coordinator, Ezinna Chima Duru, said the attacks on President Tinubu were not based on constructive criticism but on “campaigns of calumny” driven by political frustration and personal interests.

Duru said while democratic governance allows for criticism, such engagements must be grounded in facts and aimed at strengthening the system, not destabilising it. He described recent narratives around fuel subsidy removal, economic hardship and insecurity as “deliberately exaggerated” to mislead the public.

Addressing the removal of fuel subsidy, the group argued that the policy was necessary to end what it described as years of large-scale corruption in the petroleum sector. According to Duru, previous administrations failed to dismantle subsidy-related cartels due to their influence, leaving the economy burdened by debt and fiscal pressure.

He said President Tinubu took a “difficult but courageous” decision to eliminate the subsidy, adding that the administration was conscious of the short-term impact on citizens and therefore introduced measures to cushion the effects. Among these, he highlighted the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transportation as a strategy to reduce fuel costs and support cleaner energy use.

The group also claimed that increased revenue from subsidy savings has improved allocations to states and local governments, enabling them to fund infrastructure projects, pay salaries and support local councils more effectively.

On security, the Legacy Support Group said the current administration inherited complex challenges linked to cross-border terrorism and insurgency, stressing that recent strategic adjustments within the security architecture were beginning to yield positive results.

Commenting on the economy, the group credited the Tinubu administration with assembling what it described as a competent economic team, asserting that economic indicators were showing signs of recovery. It also cited reductions in food prices and improvements in power generation capacity as evidence of progress under the Renewed Hope agenda.

The group further praised government initiatives in youth empowerment and education, including student loan schemes and programmes aimed at supporting National Youth Service Corps members and young entrepreneurs.

In its resolution, the Legacy Support Group urged Nigerians across ethnic, religious and political lines to support the Tinubu administration, saying continuity beyond 2027 would help consolidate ongoing reforms.

“The achievements recorded so far show a clear commitment to national development,” Duru said. “We call on Nigerians to remain united and support policies that secure a better future for the country.”

The group reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s leadership and the Renewed Hope vision for Nigeria’s long-term growth.

Legacy Support Group Defends Tinubu’s Reforms, Faults Opposition Over “Misinformation”