Kadafur Swears In 27 Newly Elected Local Government Chairmen in Borno

By: Bulama Talba

The Borno State Acting Governor, Hon. (Dr.) Umar Usman Kadafur, on Thursday swore in 27 newly elected Local Government Chairmen, charging them to embrace accountability, prudence, and people-oriented leadership at the grassroots.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Government House, Maiduguri, marked the formal commencement of a new tenure for the Chairmen across the state’s 27 Local Government Areas.

The oath of office and allegiance was administered by the Chief Judge of Borno State, Hon. Justice Kashim Zanna, who was represented by Justice Haruna Mshelia, in three batches.

Delivering the keynote address, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, represented at the event, described the occasion as a “solemn transition of democratic duty,” stressing that leadership at the local level is a covenant of trust with the people, not a celebration of power.

He congratulated the Chairmen on their victory at the polls, commending the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission (BOSIEC) for conducting a peaceful, free, and fair election.

He however, cautioned that the real task begins with service delivery, noting that local governments are the engine rooms for implementing the state’s 25-Year Development Plan and 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative.

The Acting Governor charged the Chairmen to manage public resources prudently, avoid vanity projects, and prioritise initiatives that directly improve security, livelihoods, and the dignity of citizens.

He emphasised that prompt payment of salaries and staff welfare is non-negotiable, while discipline and productivity must be restored in local government administration.

On accountability, the Acting Governor stressed that local councils must operate with openness and transparency, encouraging citizen engagement and public scrutiny.

Alhaji Umar Kadafur also directed Chairmen to reside and work within their respective Local Government Areas, warning against absentee leadership.

The Acting Governor further called on the Chairmen to uphold the rule of law, work closely with security agencies and traditional institutions, and remain vigilant against illegal mining and deforestation, which threaten the environment and livelihoods of communities.

Kadafur tasked the Ministry for Local Government and Emirate Affairs with strict supervision of local councils and used the occasion to commend the immediate past Chairmen for their dedication and service.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Hon. Sugun Mai Mele, highlighted the significance of the state’s decision to grant financial autonomy to Local Governments, describing it as a bold reform that has strengthened grassroots governance.

Hon Sugun Mai Mele cautioned that financial autonomy comes with increased responsibility, noting that all expenditures must strictly follow financial regulations, procurement laws, budgetary provisions, and legislative approvals.

He urged the Chairmen to take the lead in initiating and executing impactful projects, rather than relying solely on state funded interventions.

In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and ALGON Chairman, Hon. Ali Umar Bolori, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah and the Governor for the confidence reposed in the Chairmen.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Hon. Bolori pledged that the Chairmen would serve with honesty, fairness, and dedication, and align fully with the Governor’s development agenda.

He particularly appreciated the extension of Local Government tenure from two to three years, describing it as a strategic decision that would enhance planning and delivery of sustainable development at the grassroots.

The ceremony was attended by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Hon Satomi Ahmad,APC Party Chairman, SSG, HOS, COS ,Special Advisers,STA,SSA,government officials, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, security agencies, and APC Party stakeholders and Supporters among others.

Kadafur Swears In 27 Newly Elected Local Government Chairmen in Borno

NSCDC Dismisses Claims of Withheld Promotion Arrears, Reaffirms Commitment to Personnel Welfare

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has refuted reports alleging that its leadership is responsible for the non-payment of promotion arrears and the diversion of funds meant for personnel welfare, describing the claims as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the spokesman of the Corps, Afolabi Babawale, the Corps said the allegations, which surfaced on some online platforms on January 23, were deliberately crafted to misinform the public and undermine the credibility of the organisation and its leadership under the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi.

The NSCDC clarified that the payment of salary and promotion arrears does not fall under the control of the Corps or the Commandant General. According to the statement, such payments are handled by the Presidential Committee on Arrears, which is overseen by the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation and the Accountant General of the Federation.

Addressing claims that no arrears have been paid since 2022, the Corps said available records show steady progress in the settlement of outstanding payments. It noted that the current leadership inherited about five years of unpaid salary arrears upon assuming office in 2021 but successfully facilitated the clearance of arrears covering 2015 to 2019, benefiting more than 37,000 personnel nationwide.

On the status of arrears for 2020 to 2022, the NSCDC explained that relevant departments, acting on the directive of the Commandant General, had applied to the Presidential Committee on Arrears. The request, the Corps said, has already been approved and is currently awaiting final release by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation for disbursement through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

The Corps added that arrears for 2023 and 2024 are yet to receive the necessary approvals, stressing that government funds cannot be released without presidential consent and budgetary provision. It also noted that promotion examination results for 2025 were only released in December, and the process of capturing them in the budget is ongoing.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and staff welfare, the NSCDC said it would not be distracted by what it described as attempts at blackmail or cyberbullying. The Corps urged the public and media organisations to verify information through official channels and disregard reports capable of causing tension among personnel.

The Commandant General also appealed to officers and men of the Corps to remain calm and patient, assuring them that efforts are ongoing to ensure the eventual release and payment of all outstanding arrears in line with government procedures.

NSCDC Dismisses Claims of Withheld Promotion Arrears, Reaffirms Commitment to Personnel Welfare

NDLEA Launches Alternative Development Project to Shift Cannabis Growers to Legal Farming

By: Michael Mike

The National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched an Alternative Development Pilot Project aimed at ending illicit cannabis cultivation by providing affected communities with sustainable and legal livelihood options.

The initiative was unveiled on Tuesday in Akure, Ondo State, at a town hall meeting attended by national stakeholders, international development partners, traditional rulers and community leaders.

The project is designed to replace illicit drug farming with profitable food and cash cropu production, while reducing drug-related insecurity.

Speaking at the event, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd), said the programme represents a shift from confrontation to cooperation between law enforcement and farming communities involved in illicit crop cultivation.

According to Marwa, the Alternative Development Project will help break the long-standing cycle of poverty, insecurity and environmental damage associated with cannabis farming, while supporting Nigeria’s food security goals under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He explained that drug cultivation often benefits criminal networks rather than host communities, leaving behind degraded farmland and social instability. “The kingpins prosper elsewhere, while the farmers are left with poverty and insecurity,” Marwa said, adding that the new approach prioritises empowerment over enforcement.

The NDLEA boss stressed that participation in the programme is voluntary and targeted only at communities willing to abandon illicitu cultivation. He assured residents that the initiative is not a trap to arrest farmers, but a genuine effort to help them transition to lawful agriculture.

Marwa noted that alternative crops such as Artemisia annua, which has medicinal and commercial value, could generate higher income than cannabis while contributing to public health and economic growth.

The Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Ayedatiwa, welcomed the pilot project and pledged the full support of his administration. He said the state government would provide land, seedlings and other agricultural inputs to ensure the success of the initiative.

Ayedatiwa also urged young people to reject drug abuse and embrace legitimate opportunities offered through the programme, describing youths as key drivers of development.

International partners, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and development agencies from Europe, expressed support for the project, which aligns with global best practices on crop substitution and sustainable livelihoods.

Traditional rulers in the state also backed the initiative. Speaking on their behalf, the Olowo of Owo Kingdom and Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, called on youths to embrace the programme, warning of the social and legal consequences of drug cultivation.

The Alternative Development Pilot Project will begin in three communities in Ondo State, after which its impact will be assessed and recommendations made to the Federal Government for nationwide expansion.

NDLEA Launches Alternative Development Project to Shift Cannabis Growers to Legal Farming