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ZULUM: 238 Projects in 365 Days; Another Year of Remarkable Progress in Borno’s Project Landscape
ZULUM: 238 Projects in 365 Days; Another Year of Remarkable Progress in Borno’s Project Landscape
By Abdul Kareem
There is no doubt that Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state has set a new standard for leadership and progress in Nigeria. In just the past year, Governor Zulum has overseen a remarkable transformation in Borno, personally spearheading 238 projects across 13 sectors. These projects have left a lasting impact on the state, demonstrating a vision of lasting, sustainable, and community-focused development.
Building upon the success of 957 projects completed during his first term in office, Zulum, a Professor of Irrigation Engineering, has been able to lay a solid foundation for the fast and remarkable progress being witnessed in his second term.
From enhancing security measures to revolutionizing the education sector, Governor Zulum’s commitment to service delivery and good governance shines through in every initiative undertaken even as he continues to raise the bar of good governance in Nigeria.
Governor Zulum’s unwavering dedication to restoring normalcy in Borno State after years of insurgency has been commendable. Through strategic partnerships with security outfits and the provision of essential resources such as patrol vehicles and motorcycles, the administration has boosted the morale of troops and taken significant strides towards ending the insurgency that has plagued the state.
It is worth noting that under Governor Zulum’s leadership in the last one year, the Borno State Government has acquired an additional 94 new Hilux Patrol Vehicles and 62 Toyota Land Cruiser Samsara, supplementing the existing fleet of 1400 Patrol Vehicles earlier procured for the security in the state. This strategic procurement aims to bolster surveillance efforts and address the security challenges effectively. Additionally, the administration has also purchased 300 new motorcycles to support security patrol operations, particularly in hard-to-reach terrains.
In the education sector, Governor Zulum’s administration has embarked on a comprehensive revival plan, focusing on reconstructing schools destroyed by terrorists, establishing new mega-size schools, and recruiting thousands of teachers to ensure quality education for all. By introducing incentives to attract school-age enrolment and reducing the number of out-of-school children, Governor Zulum is paving the way for a brighter future for the youth of Borno State.
According to the commissioner of education, Abba Wakilbe, “Under the visionary leadership of Professor Babagana Zulum, the government has revolutionized the education sector by constructing 30 state-of-the-art mega schools with 60, 40, 30, and 20 classrooms each, equipped with laboratories, staff rooms, ICT centers, water and sports facilities, and solar power supply. Additionally, 16 new senior secondary schools have been established in Bulumkutu, 777, 1000 Housing Estates, Goidamgari, Soye in Bama, Gasi in Shani, Ngoshe in Gwoza, Malakaleri in Mafa, and Kwayabura in Hawul local government areas. Furthermore, five High Islamic colleges are under construction in Gajiram, Gajiganna, Baga, Gubio, and Damasak, while new junior and secondary schools have been founded in Malamkureri in MMC, Dikwa Gubio, Yerimari in Jere, and Girjan in Damboa. The establishment of two-story mega schools in Dala Lawanti, Bulakutiki, Dusuman Kaleri, Miringa, Uba, and Asking signifies a remarkable transformation in our education landscape.”
The education commissioner also added that “During the first year of Governor Zulum’s second term, 88 science laboratories were constructed and equipped in 22 secondary schools, and 4,000 additional teachers were hired for public secondary and primary schools across the state. In addition, the Zulum-led government in Borno State recruited education secretaries for the 27 local government education authorities (LGEAs), provided 13 Toyota vehicles and golf wagons to each education secretary for monitoring and supervision, increased salaries, and allocated monthly running costs.
To address the impact of the long-standing Boko Haram insurgency on school enrollment, the Borno State government implemented various incentives to attract displaced school-age children, including free uniforms, instructional materials, bicycles, and a daily meal. This initiative significantly reduced the number of out-of-school children from over 2 million to less than 700,000, with ongoing efforts to further decrease this number.
Zarah Mohammed, a young caregiver who coordinates out of school IDP children in Bama for evening lessons for basic alphabetical and numeric knowledge, hails Governor Zulum’s free education initiative.
“May God bless our Governor, Professor Zulum, for taking the burden off my neck – now all my little boys and girls, about 32 of them, are now enrolled in conventional schools and they are doing well, ” she said with excitement. “Their poor parent never worry about the cost of their education because it is free. I am going to sustain advocacy in supply of the government to ensure that parents enroll their kids in schools.”
““Furthermore, the Borno State government awarded scholarships totaling 5,580,441,012 naira to 29,325 undergraduate and postgraduate students from Borno State studying both locally and abroad. Additionally, the government covered tuition fees and provided monthly allowances amounting to 1,561,527,600 naira to 997 students at the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Dr Wakilbe said.”
The health sector has also seen significant improvements under Governor Zulum’s leadership, with the construction of primary healthcare centers, procurement of medical equipment, and provision of essential drugs across the state. The administration’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable healthcare services underscores its dedication to the well-being of all citizens.
“In Mafa, 20 primary health centers have been equipped with solar power systems to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services with a steady supply of drugs and consumables,” the Commissioner for Health, Professor Baba M Ghana.
“The Brigadier Abba Kyari Hospital in Ngaranam is currently undergoing renovations to enhance healthcare services. The government has procured medical equipment worth billions of naira and distributed them to health facilities across the state. Solar power systems have been installed in primary health centers in Ngurosoye, Andari, and Gwoza as part of the administration’s commitment to fulfilling campaign promises.
“The government is constructing a College of Nursing in Gwoza and Monguno, along with Eye and Dental Hospitals in Monguno and Biu. General Hospital Biu is being upgraded to a specialist hospital, while General Hospitals in Damboa and Gajiram are undergoing complete reconstruction. The administration aims to establish at least one primary health center in each of the 312 electoral wards in Borno State as part of its post-insurgency recovery agenda,” the commissioner added
Governor Zulum’s visionary approach extends beyond infrastructure development to include initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, creating job opportunities, and building resilience within the community. Through the establishment of vocational and entrepreneurial institutes and ICT centers, the administration is equipping young people with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Four vocational entrepreneurial institutes have been established with the aim of training youth in entrepreneurship and apprenticeship. The goal is to equip them with skills and trades that will improve their socio-economic well-being, make them productive in the future, and steer them away from political unrest and other forms of idleness. These institutes offer training in 14 different trades and apprenticeships, including welding, carpentry, solar light fabrication, cosmetology, tailoring, knitting, computer application and repairs, and automobile maintenance, among others.
Additionally, the Zulum-led government has constructed, equipped, furnished, and commissioned four new ICT centers in Gubio Town, each with 100 computer units. These centers aim to train youth in literacy and numeracy as part of the government’s digital initiative. Furthermore, four other ICT centers located in Mafa, Damboa, and Bayo I have been completed and are awaiting commissioning.
During the first year of governance in the second term, the Vocational Enterprise Institute in Muna graduated 832 orphans. The institute provided them with starter packs and cash to help them start a new self-reliant life. Moreover, 64 of the best graduates were offered automatic employment.
Governor Zulum’s achievements over the last year are not just a collection of projects and programs; they are a testament to his unwavering dedication to the people of Borno State and a shining example of what can be accomplished through visionary leadership and relentless determination. In the face of adversity, Governor Zulum continues to inspire and uplift, leading the way towards a future of prosperity and opportunity for all in Borno State.
To end this article, one must acknowledge that Governor Zulum’s standout quality, evident in his first four years and continuing into his second term, is his exceptional loyalty, dedication to vision, focus, and goals. Over the past five years, he has completed a total of 1195 projects, averaging 239 projects per year. Remarkably, in his fifth year, he precisely delivered 238 projects, showcasing his deliberate and strategic planning skills. This consistent achievement is a signature of Governor Zulum’s intentional and effective governance approach.
ZULUM: 238 Projects in 365 Days; Another Year of Remarkable Progress in Borno’s Project Landscape
HUMAN RIGHTS LAWYERING MUST NOT BE REDUCED TO EGO CONTESTS
By: Frank Tietie
The unfortunate events surrounding the aborted hearing of the bail application filed on behalf of Justice Crack are deeply troubling and represent a sad commentary on the administration of justice in matters affecting personal liberty and fundamental human rights.
While a lawyer who has authority to withdraw an application scheduled for hearing before a court may determine who leads a team of counsel, no lawyer possesses the unilateral authority to withdraw an application already filed on behalf of a client without the express consent and instruction of that client.
Accordingly, it was wrong for the court to have permitted the withdrawal of the bail application filed on behalf of Justice Crack by Marshall Abubakar, Esq., unless there was clear authorisation from Justice Crack himself consenting to such withdrawal. The implication of that development is grave because it further delayed the hearing of the application of a man who has already endured prolonged detention.
Equally disappointing was the conduct of every lawyer present who failed to oppose the withdrawal of the application. By allowing arguments over seniority, representation, and professional hierarchy to overshadow the urgent necessity of securing the liberty of an oppressed citizen, the entire defence team failed in its sacred duty to the cause of justice.
The position becomes even more disturbing when viewed against the provisions of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, which clearly empower the court to adopt written addresses already before it even where counsel elect not to orally move an application. In other words, there was absolutely no justification for allowing avoidable disputes among counsel to frustrate proceedings in a matter fundamentally concerning liberty and human dignity.
Human rights litigation is not a platform for personal glory, ego contests, or professional grandstanding. It is a solemn calling that demands self-effacement, sacrifice, austerity, discipline, and unwavering commitment to the protection of the human person above all else. Lawyers who undertake human rights causes must constantly remember that the suffering client and not the lawyer’s prestige remains the true centre of every struggle for justice.
The development at the court over such an insignificant procedural disagreement has understandably generated public concern and disappointment. I therefore call on the Comrade-President, Omoyele Sowore, in his capacity as the avowed defender of the oppressed as well as the family of Justice Crack, to urgently take definitive steps regarding his legal representation in order to avoid any further setbacks capable of undermining the pursuit of justice in this matter.
The liberty of a citizen must never become collateral damage in professional rivalries among lawyers.
Frank Tietie, Esq.
Human Rights Lawyer &
Executive Director,
Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER)
HUMAN RIGHTS LAWYERING MUST NOT BE REDUCED TO EGO CONTESTS
News
Taiwan in the Crossfire of History, Law, and Power: A Feature Analysis of Competing Claims and the One-China Question
Taiwan in the Crossfire of History, Law, and Power: A Feature Analysis of Competing Claims and the One-China Question
By: Michael Olukayode
The status of Taiwan remains one of the most enduring and strategically sensitive disputes in modern international relations — a question where history, law, identity, and geopolitics collide without easy resolution. It is not merely a territorial disagreement between Beijing and Taipei; it is a layered contest over legitimacy, sovereignty, and the meaning of statehood in a shifting global order.
Across recent scholarly salons and policy interventions in Africa and beyond — particularly the Abuja media salon hosted by the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria — a striking convergence has emerged around the One-China Principle, even as interpretations of its implications remain sharply contested.
The Historical Fault Line: 1949 and the Birth of Two Political Realities
The modern Taiwan question originates in the Chinese Civil War, which ended in 1949 with the Communist Party of China establishing the People’s Republic of China on the mainland while the defeated Kuomintang (KMT) government retreated to Taiwan.
As Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim forcefully stated at the Abuja salon:
“Taiwan is not a sovereign entity, it has no independence and it is not a member of the United Nations.”
From Beijing’s perspective, this was not the creation of two states but the continuation of one China under different administrations.
This position aligns with the broader Chinese narrative repeatedly emphasized in diplomatic discourse, including the categorical assertion that:
“Taiwan has never been a country, was never one in the past, and will never be one in the future.”
Taiwan, however, evolved in a very different direction. Over decades, it developed into a functioning democratic polity with its own political institutions, elections, military structure, and constitutional governance.
This divergence produces what scholars describe as a central paradox: a de facto state operating with constrained de jure recognition, facing a sovereign claim from a rising global power.
The Legal Architecture: UN Resolution 2758 and Competing Interpretations
A cornerstone of Beijing’s argument is United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, which restored China’s seat at the United Nations in 1971.
At the Abuja salon, Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim insisted:
“This resolution has explicitly established… that there is only one seat for China in the United Nations, leaving no room for ‘two Chinas’ or ‘one China, one Taiwan’.”
From this perspective, Taiwan is not a separate subject of international law but part of China whose representation is subsumed under Beijing.
Taiwan and its supporters contest this interpretation, arguing that Resolution 2758 addresses representation — not sovereignty — leaving Taiwan’s political status deliberately unresolved.
This legal ambiguity has become what many scholars now describe as structured uncertainty, sustaining diplomatic flexibility while preventing formal resolution.
Beijing’s Position: Sovereignty, Reunification, and Historical Mission
China’s position is rooted in sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national rejuvenation.
As reiterated by President Xi Jinping:
“The great tide of compatriots on both sides of the strait becoming closer, more connected and coming together will not change. This is the verdict of history.”
In Chinese official discourse, reunification is not framed as a negotiable issue but as a historical inevitability tied to national revival.
This perspective was reinforced in Abuja by African analysts who align with Beijing’s framing of sovereignty as non-negotiable, with Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim emphasizing that Africa’s diplomatic alignment reflects a global consensus increasingly anchored in the One-China Principle.
Taiwan’s Position: Democracy, Identity, and De Facto Sovereignty
Taiwan’s position rests on lived political reality and democratic self-governance.
While officially still called the Republic of China, Taiwan functions as an independent political system with its own elections, judiciary, military, and constitution.
Its leadership under President Lai Ching-te emphasizes Taiwan’s distinct political identity and rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims.
From Beijing’s perspective, this is framed as separatism. From Taiwan’s perspective, it is democratic self-determination.
The result is a deeply entrenched ideological divide: territorial integrity versus political identity.
Strategic Ambiguity and Global Power Politics
A critical dimension of the Taiwan issue is the role of external powers, particularly the United States.
Washington’s policy of strategic ambiguity — recognizing the One-China framework while maintaining unofficial relations with Taiwan — is widely seen as both stabilizing and contradictory.
At the Abuja salon, Prof. Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim and other speakers framed external engagement with Taiwan as part of what they described as “separatist encouragement,” while emphasizing African alignment with Beijing’s position.
Africa’s Diplomatic Alignment and the One-China Consensus
A recurring theme in Abuja was overwhelming African diplomatic alignment with Beijing.
As multiple presenters emphasized:
“As of May 2026, 53 out of 54 African nations adhere to the One-China policy.”
The only exception remains Eswatini.
At the salon, Prof. Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim argued that this position reflects historical continuity in African diplomacy:
“African nations have consistently stood with China on issues concerning its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Dr. Segun Showunmi, who is an Ace Public affairs analyst and social impact expert, with experience in governance, policy and civic engagement added that this alignment is not merely political but developmental:
“That consistency created trust and in international politics, trust often translates into investment, infrastructure, and strategic cooperation.”
The Abuja Diplomatic Intervention: China’s Official Position
A defining moment of the salon came from the representative of the Chinese state — the Counsellor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, Ms.Dong Hairong— who reiterated Beijing’s formal position in unambiguous terms:
“There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.”
This intervention anchored the entire discussion within the framework of Chinese sovereignty doctrine and reinforced that diplomatic relations with China are premised on acceptance of the One-China Principle.
⸻
Prof. Sam Amadi: Strategic Ambiguity as Diplomatic Reality
Professor Sam Amadi, a policy strategist and law and governance expert, Director, Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts,
introduced a more analytical framing, arguing that global practice is defined not by clarity but by managed contradiction.
He stated:
“The One-China principle and One-China policy are clear, but difficult to operationalise.”
He further explained:
“What we have today is strategic ambiguity… meaning they acknowledge, but at the same time, they engage.”
For Amadi, the central question for Africa is not ideological but practical:
“Should we foreclose ambiguity and advance a straight One-China principle, which will exclude all kinds of trade and engagement with Taiwan?”
His conclusion favored diplomatic exclusivity with calibrated economic engagement.
Strategic Realism: Why the Status Quo Persists
Despite rhetorical intensity, the Taiwan issue persists in its unresolved form due to structural constraints:
- China cannot accept formal separation without undermining sovereignty doctrine
- Taiwan cannot accept reunification without losing political autonomy
- The United States benefits strategically from ambiguity
- African states largely align diplomatically with Beijing while prioritizing development ties
As Professor Amadi summarized:
“We acknowledge these principles, but we go back there and also deal with Taiwan in trade… using strategic ambiguity.”
Conclusion: History as Contest, Diplomacy as Equilibrium
The Abuja salon underscored a broader truth about the Taiwan question: it is not merely a territorial dispute but a global governance dilemma.
On one side stands China’s categorical assertion, echoed in Abuja:
“There is only one China.”
On the other stands Taiwan’s democratic identity and de facto autonomy.
Between them lies a global system that simultaneously enforces principle and tolerates ambiguity.
As reflected across the Abuja interventions, including those of Prof. Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, Dr. Segun Showunmi, Prof. Sam Amadi, and the Chinese diplomatic Counsellor, the Taiwan question endures not because it lacks answers — but because every available answer carries strategic consequences the world is unwilling to fully accept.
And so Taiwan remains what it has become in the 21st century: not only a territorial dispute, but a permanent stress test of international order itself.
Taiwan in the Crossfire of History, Law, and Power: A Feature Analysis of Competing Claims and the One-China Question
Zulum: Consensus Remains Preferred Option for APC Primaries in Borno
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has called on aspirants seeking various elective positions under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and party stakeholders to adopt consensus as the preferred mode for candidate emergence ahead of the party primaries.
The APC primary elections are scheduled to commence on Friday, 15 May, with the House of Representatives primaries and climax on Saturday, 23 May, with the presidential primaries.
Governor Zulum made the call on Thursday during a critical stakeholders’ meeting held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Government House in Maiduguri, stressing that consensus remains the most viable option for strengthening party unity.
“Let me start by appreciating all our stakeholders for the support and commitment to advancing the course of our great party, APC, and our administration,” Zulum said.
“As we prepare for the party primaries, which will commence on Friday, I want to remind all our aspirants contesting various elective positions that consensus is the best and most viable option for the party in our state. However, if we are unable to arrive at a consensus, we will go for direct primaries,” he added.
The governor further emphasized his commitment to democratic principles, assuring stakeholders that no candidate would be imposed on any constituency.
“As a democrat, I will not force any candidate on a particular constituency, but rather encourage us to continue consultations with stakeholders for consensus candidates to emerge,” Zulum stated.
He urged aspirants to reflect on the past, project better opportunities in the future and maintain party loyalty, noting that those who may not secure tickets in the 2027 elections could still have chances ahead.
Governor Zulum also announced that aspirants who voluntarily withdraw from contests would be considered for appointments and other opportunities at both the federal and state levels.
To facilitate consultations across the state, the governor constituted zonal consultative committees headed by the Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, for the Southern Zone; APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori, for the Central Zone; and Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno for the Northern Zone.
Governor Zulum also formally presented the APC consensus governorship candidate, Mustapha Gubio, to stakeholders, fulfilling the promise he made during the high-level stakeholders’ meeting held on 25 April.
APC Deputy National Chairman, Hon Ali Bukar Dalori, and State Chairman of the Party, Hon. Bello Ayuba, all re-echo the need for consensus as the means of primary election in the state.
They emphasized that consensus will strengthen party cohesion and unity in the run-up to the 2027 general elections.
The meeting was attended by prominent personalities, including Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, the APC consensus Gubernatorial candidate, Engr Mustapha Gubio, APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, Former Governor, Senator Maina Ma’aji Lawan, Senators Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Mohammed Ali Ndume, and Kaka Shehu Lawan SAN, serving and former members of the House of Representatives, APC state chairman, former Nigerian Ambassador to China, Amb. Baba Ahmed Jidda, Speaker, Borno State House of Assembly, and other members of the House.
Others include the Secretary to the state government, the acting Chief of Staff, the Commissioner’s designate, Special Advisers, Local Government Chairmen, APC party executives, and other stakeholders.
Zulum: Consensus Remains Preferred Option for APC Primaries in Borno
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