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REFLECTION: ‘Why I endorsed Professor Zulum to succeed me as Borno’s next Governor’
REFLECTION: ‘Why I endorsed Professor Zulum to succeed me as Borno’s next Governor’
By Kashim Shettima
In the politics of Borno State, at least since 1999, we have had and maintained a tradition in which major stakeholders of a ruling party, expect from an outgoing Governor, a sense of political direction in the choice of a successor. Some people may see this tradition as a form of dictatorship but to many others, politicians with varied experiences, such an honor provides the critical step needed by our party in its transition processes.
In the last couple of days, I have come under intense pressure from many stakeholders insisting that I should anoint a successor. In all discussions, I have maintained one divine statement, which is, only Allah gives power to whom he pleases and at the time He pleases. I, Kashim Shettima am but human, a first amongst equals. I do not and cannot give power. I can only make recommendation based on my own human but informed analysis. Even at that, my recommendation cannot foreclose the fundamental right of any legitimate aspirant to contest the primary election.
We cannot pretend not to be aware that an otherwise leader in our party, the APC, has deliberately created an unnecessary division within its membership in the state. This has led, to borrow from the satirical wisdom of Distinguished Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, the existence of what is akin to a match between “home based players” in the majority and with local support and a minority “foreign based players”. Four months ago, when we received some fleeing leaders back into the APC fold, I had thought that those who choose to work against the majority have learned lessons. I had expected us to once again, fuse into one indivisible family so that together, we could give our party a direction and confront our opponents as a united force. How wrong I was! Perhaps, I ignored the common saying, that a leopard does not change its spots.
As we all know, we have 21 cleared governorship aspirants, if I am right. I will like to first, place on record, my deepest respect for all aspirants, including those who have joined forces to fight the majority.
Also Read: OF ZULUM, SHETTIMA AND CONFLICT THEORISTS
Some people have tried to make mockery of the sheer number of Borno’s governorship aspirants. To me, the high number only goes to show the enthusiasm, passion and determination of many citizens who want to contribute in the post conflict repositioning of Borno. All our 21 aspirants, I believe, are only eager to build on our modest efforts in order to take Borno to the next level. I salute all of them and I dare say, that all our aspirants have immense qualities which make everyone of them eminently qualified to be the Governor of Borno State especially in ordinary times. However, as we know, Borno is not in ordinary times and regardless, there can only be one Governor at a time.
I would like to say that the task of recommending one aspirant to our stakeholders has more than anything else, tested me. I have faced the test of choosing between my personal interest, my friendships, and my political associations, all on one side and on the other, my conscience and the future of Borno State.
Borno state has seen the darkest side of history. The type we cannot wish for worst enemies. Parents, brothers and sisters, have witnessed first hand, the public and brutal execution of their loved ones. We have lost thousands of persons. Nearly two million persons were displaced. Majority ran for their lives, trekking for miles before arriving different safe destinations. Today, Borno still has citizens displaced in all parts of Nigeria and neighbouring countries. Thousands of children have been turned into orphans after the gruesome murder of their parents, and similarly thousands of women have become widows of the conflict. Wealthy merchants in hundreds of communities have been transformed overnight from prosperity to penury.. Landlords have been turned into hapless tenants, and even among the homeless. Prosperous and economically viable communities were turned to graves and war zones.
Borno has witnessed a long period of gloom and doom.
Our peculiar experiences in Borno State have to my mind, made the task of choosing a potential Governor a difficult one. It was a task, which required and forced me to set aside personal interest and consider the greater interest of our dear state.. Borno is greater than Kashim Shettima and Borno is greater than any one of us.
As Governor from 2011 to date, I can say without any iota of doubt that handling the affairs of Borno State is as complex as steering the affairs of some big countries. The challenges before Borno are more than whatever anyone might imagine.
Making the choice of my potential successor was beyond my thinking alone. Such a choice required a combination of very deep thoughts and wisdom. I therefore had to undertake very extensive consultations. I consulted to extents never reached in the recent political history of Borno State. I have met virtually all the critical segments that make up our dear State. I have held closed-door meetings and had frank and open discussions with our royal fathers and elders. I have visited homes and met with past and serving leaders, party stakeholders and professionals of various fields. I even went as far as employing the services of agents unknown to each other, which I sent to communities across our 27 local government areas to feel the pulses of our citizens. In all my consultations, I created one-on-one atmosphere to get undiluted opinions. I held one on one meeting with public office holders across different levels of Borno. I made sure I was getting the honest opinions of everyone. I was able to collate views as comprehensive as humanly possible. I looked at these views as objectively as possible.
Of our 21 aspirants, if I were to support and hand pick what some people might call any of my closest boys as successor; I most certainly would go for Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan or Adamu Lawan Zaufanjimba. If, on the other hand, public service is the only consideration, none of the aspirants can be more qualified than our elder statesman, Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda. If loyalty to political association is my main consideration, Distinguished Senator Abubakar Kyari has proved unalloyed loyalty to political association with me. If years of sincere and mutual friendship are my main consideration, Distinguished Senator Baba Kaka Bashir Garbai and Alhaji Mai Sheriff are my closest friends amongst all our aspirants. If the consideration is about humility and ability to carry people along, His Excellency Shettima Yuguda Dibal is legendary. I have relationship and so much respect for majority of the aspirants, the likes of Hon. Umara Kumalia, Makinta, name them. In fact, two of the aspirants, Mustapha Fannarambe and Umar Alkali are my relatives. All aspirants have divergent qualities. However, because of the situation we found ourselves, considerations for the next Governor of Borno State requires specific quips tailored to our needs for now.
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From the generality of feedbacks, there is no doubt that what will define political debates in Borno’s 2019 Governorship election will be promises in the aftermath of brutal conflict, deaths and destructions of communities.
Everywhere in the world, post conflict rehabilitation, restoration, reconciliation & resettlement are complex, composite & interwoven.
With humility and absolute respect for all aspirants, I will like to say, that from overwhelming opinions and feedbacks, the aspirant with an edge in understanding the Peace-Development Nexus of Borno’s post conflict future is Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, mni.
As Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement since September 2015, Professor Zulum has been in the thick of our recovery and restoration efforts. He has proved to understand the dynamics. He has established enormous amount of contact in the post conflict development sector and has earned the confidence of local and international stakeholders. Borno needs such confidence in the task of completing our ongoing social and economic recovery, rebuilding of communities and livelihoods.
For our peculiar situation, Professor Zulum has shown the potentials to take Borno State to the next level. His age is also an advantage. At 48, Professor Zulum is in his prime, he is head & shoulders above me in terms of intellect, capacity & indefatigability. Zulum is without the slightest doubt, a workhorse!
Professor Zulum’s story in the struggles of life will connect with electorates. Professor Zulum fought his way from grass to grace. From a humble beginning, he hawked firewood to finance his education. Through unusual courage and determination, he is today a Professor of Irrigation Engineering and member of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies.
My recommendation of Professor Zulum does not, should not and will not stop any aspirant from contesting in the primaries.
It is easy to market Professor Zulum before delegates. If we succeed, Insha’Allah, we shall go round Borno State, to remind electorates from Gwoza to Chibok, Bama to Damasak, Konduga to Kaga and all over Borno State. We shall tell electorates to look around their neighborhoods and see how Professor Zulum was able to rebuild their communities—from thousands of homes, hundreds of schools to healthcare centres and restored their livelihoods at the risk of being attacked by Boko Haram.
I will remind my fellow APC stake-holders and supporters that the contest before us is one that would require us to be together. No matter our differences, we must recognize that we stand to loose individually and as a group, when we sabotage our efforts. We must set aside our individual interests and preferences for the future of Borno and the benefit of our traumatized citizens.
I will like to express my continued and most profound appreciation to the honour done to me in giving me the task of making consultations on behalf of our great party. I believe I have to the best of my ability, justified the trust you have shown in me. No one would expect a Professor to become a stooge of any Governor. Professor Zulum has always been one with his independent mindset. Fortunately, his mindset has proved to be highly progressive and productive. His records as rector of Ramat Polytechnic in Maiduguri have stood him out as much as what he so much achieved in our ongoing reconstruction and Resettlement of internally displaced persons and refugees affected by the Boko Haram crisis. In choosing Professor, I know, that I will be remembered for placing Borno above my personal interest.
I will forever remain grateful for the overwhelming support and honour I have enjoyed in serving the good people of Borno State.
Allah Ya ba mu nasara!
Signed
Kashim Shettima
September 30, 2018.
REFLECTION: ‘Why I endorsed Professor Zulum to succeed me as Borno’s next Governor’
EU, NHRC Collaborate to Safeguard Human Rights in Nigeria
Inaugurate Human Rights Defenders Forum
By: Michael Mike
The European Union (EU) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has collaborated in the fight against violation of human rights in Nigeria, joining forces to inaugurate the Human Rights Defenders Forum aimed at combating the numerous challenges of safeguarding human rights in the country.
Speaking at the Civil Society Consultation on the State of Human Rights in Nigeria and the Inauguration of the Human Rights Defenders Forum, which had in attendance Portugal Ambassador, Paulo Santos and Belgium Ambassador, Pieter Leenknegt, the Executive Secretary, NHRC, Tony Ojukwu lamented that in recent years, “we have witnessed alarming trends, including restrictions on the rights of individuals and organisations to operate freely, and threats against those who dare to speak truth to power.”
He insisted that: “These developments serve as a stark reminder that the protection of human rights is an ongoing struggle that requires continuous vigilance, action, and cooperation from all sectors of society.”
Ojukwu noted that: “Today marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to advance human rights and protect the defenders who tirelessly work to uphold these rights, even in the face of adversity.
“We are gathered here not only to discuss the current state of human rights in our country but also to chart a way forward—one that ensures greater protection for civil liberties, fosters democratic consolidation, and safeguards the fundamental rights of all Nigerians, especially those who stand up for the rights of others.”
He said: “As we know, the human rights landscape in Nigeria is a complex and evolving one. While we have made strides, challenges remain, especially regarding the protection of civic space and the safety of human rights defenders.”
Ojukwu said: “Three major events preceded today’s events which are worth mentioning. First was the End bad governance protests in August. The second is the arraignment of minors recently witnessed in Abuja. Third was the presentation of the report of the Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in Counter-Insurgency Operations in the North East.
“These three events underscore the state of human rights in Nigeria and present for us discussion points on our institutions and mechanisms. Their outcomes also present us with hope and opportunities to base our present and future actions that will ensure that human rights of vulnerable Nigerians are protected. I thank all those whose actions have been responsible for the outcomes of these historic events.”
He said: “We are deeply grateful to the European Union Delegation to Nigeria for partnering with the National Human Rights Commission in organizing this forum.
The EU’s unwavering commitment to promoting human rights and supporting civil society efforts across the globe is commendable, and we are honoured to work with them in Nigeria.
“The discussions we will have today are centered on three crucial themes that are at the heart of any democracy: the right to electoral participation and democratic consolidation, the protection of civil liberties, civic space and human rights defenders, and the pressing issue of digital rights and privacy protection. These issues are not merely theoretical—they are practical challenges that impact our daily lives and the future of Nigeria as a democratic state.”
He added that: “The inauguration of the Human Rights Defenders Forum today underscores the importance of creating a unified platform for those who work at the frontlines of human rights protection. The forum will serve as a space for defenders to share experiences, exchange ideas, and strategize on how to address the myriad challenges they face. It is crucial that we stand together to provide human rights defenders with the necessary support and ensure their safety at the frontlines.”
Also speaking at the occasion, the Deputy Head of Delegation, European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Zissimos Vergos said human rights is “a topic that is not only essential but always incredibly timely and central to the European Union’s foreign policy, constituting our institutional core and soul: our unwavering support for a continuous active, open and transparent dialogue on the state of democracy and human rights around the world including our host country, Nigeria, this great country and its great people that you represent here today.”
He noted that: “We live in an era underlined by both remarkable advancements and unprecedented challenges; an era where we would have expected that global partnerships underlined by visionary and rationale conversations for a better and more inclusive world would have been the norm; instead we all see that the basic ingredients for such a successful recipe of hope and global solidarity are still missing; for us in the European Union, we firmly believe that democracy, inclusive societies and human rights are indispensable ingredients for such recipe to work; many solutions to the problems surrounding us originate from the inability to on-board the citizens of the world in a process of social, financial and political inclusion; simply to allow them to feel that they belong and that they can trust a shared societal project; we see it and feel it everywhere around us.”
He added that “global conflicts and geopolitical shifts have highlighted the importance of international cooperation and the protection of human rights.
“The collective consciousness on the urgent need to defend democracy and human rights is reflected upon the ever growing global citizens’ movements and advocacy for equality, justice, and inclusion; an urgent and pressing demand for societal change is present with youth in the forefront; it is important that we all listen and take stock.
“The world is in an urgent need for peace, healing and reconciliation. Human rights, with their universal and inalienable qualities, offer a solid framework for conversation. Narratives of authoritarianism, populism, extremism, conflict entrepreneurship, compounded by poverty, inequality and increasingly the adverse impact of climate change on livelihoods risk to derail essential conversations on urgently needed global corrections and critical decisions regarding investment in a common future.Efforts to safeguard human dignity, freedom, and equality remain crucial.”
The notion of global leadership in the mind of the citizens anywhere in the world, is strongly correlated with footprints of social, financial and political inclusion; the degree of success of such citizens’s value chain’ depends on the fundamentals of inclusive democratic governance and human rights; there are no shortcuts and where they are tried they just disrupt and generate conflict and division.”
He noted that: “Nigeria, as the largest democracy in Africa, plays a pivotal role in the continent’s political landscape. The other African countries, but also the world rightly so, are looking up to Nigeria and its multi-ethnic and multi-religious democratic trajectory and paradigms.
“The European Union, recognises the importance of partnering with Nigeria in itinerary to democratic governance and human rights.”
EU, NHRC Collaborate to Safeguard Human Rights in Nigeria
UNICEF: Over 9 million youth empowered through innovative partnerships in Nigeria
By Our Reporter
The UNICEF Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA) Public-Private-Youth-Partnership Platform today convened its annual Steering Committee at the Airtel Headquarters in Lagos to celebrate three years of groundbreaking achievements and set ambitious targets for the future. This meeting reaffirmed GenU 9JA’s commitment to transforming the lives of millions of Nigerian youths by connecting them to opportunities for skills development, digital learning, and livelihood pathways. The meeting was attended by GenU 9JA partners from the government, private sector, civil society, UN organizations, and young people from across Nigeria.
Since its inception, UNICEF GenU 9JA has empowered over 9 million young Nigerians, surpassing the three-year target of 7.5 million. This milestone positions the initiative well on its journey to achieving its 2030 goal of connecting 20 million young people with opportunities for growth and impact. The committee reviewed progress across its three core pillars: connectivity and digital learning, workplace readiness, and youth engagement. Key partners presented updates on their respective contributions, underscoring how collaboration has driven success.
Speaking at the event, Carl Cruz, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, emphasized the transformative potential of digital access, citing the ongoing UNICEF-Airtel Reimagine Education Program, a part of the GenU 9JA initiative. “Airtel is proud to play a role in ensuring no young Nigerian is left behind in this digital age. We are encouraged by the success recorded so far among the 1,260 schools connected through our partnership,” he said.
Somachi Chris-Asoluka, CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), highlighted the impact of youth entrepreneurship: “Young people are the engines of Africa’s economic transformation. Since 2015, the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme has empowered over 20,000 young entrepreneurs, creating more than 400,000 jobs. Our BeGreen Africa initiative will now support over 400 young entrepreneurs in Nigeria, Kenya, Morocco, Senegal, and South Africa with green-focused training, mentorship, and seed capital to advance sustainable ventures.”
Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Nigeria Representative, reiterated the urgency for continued investment in youth: “The future of any nation lies in the hands of its children and youth. By providing skills, opportunities, and a platform for engagement, we are not only changing individual lives but also shaping a brighter future for Nigeria.”
UNICEF: Over 9 million youth empowered through innovative partnerships in Nigeria
Borno: Primary School Teachers Jubilate as N70k Minimum Wage Hit Accounts
… Zulum pays the best wage in Northeast so far -NLC
By: Michael Mike
Thousands of primary school teachers in Borno State were thrown into excitement on Friday when Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, approved the implementation of N70,000 minimum wage.
This was one week after the N70k minimum wage was paid to civil servants working for Borno State Government for their October salaries.
The new salary hit the accounts of primary school teachers on Thursday as many posted screenshots of their alerts on different social media platforms.
Zulum announced the approval of the pay rise for workers in the state on October 10 in a meeting with the minimum wage implementation committee members. During this meeting, he also approved N3 billion for the payment of entitlements to families of civil servants that died in Borno State.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Labour Congress, Borno State Chapter, has described the minimum wage paid by Borno State government as the best so far in the northeast region.
The Chairman of NLC, Comr Inuwa Yusuf, made the commendation last week in Maiduguri.
“Let me also join in commending the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for serving our people, especially the workers,” Comr Yusuf reiterated.
He added, “After a series of meetings, we harmonised the wage table which was applied in the last couple of days. Our members (civil servants ) have called in and expressed their gratitude. We felt it was a very nice one, and we believe other states in the northeast can not be better than us; we have seen what a few other States have paid, and we don’t know of other states that will pay later as now, our state is leading. We have to commend His Excellency for this giant stride.”
Borno: Primary School Teachers Jubilate as N70k Minimum Wage Hit Accounts
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