News
Zulum swears in Special Advisers, LGA Chairs, Perm Secs
Zulum swears in Special Advisers, LGA Chairs, Perm Secs
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has presided over the swearing-in of 29 Special Advisers, 27 Local Government Chairpersons, and seven Permanent Secretaries to the Borno State Civil Service.
The oath of office was administered at an event held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Government House by the Chief Judge of Borno, Kashim Zanna, represented by Hon. Justice Haruna Mshelia.
The newly sworn-in 27 Chairpersons, including a lady from Jere Local Government, emerged as winners at the 2024 Local Council election held on the 20th of February.
The 29 Special Advisers have a blend of Yoruba, Igbo, indigenous technocrats and politicians from across the Local Councils in the State.
Speaking after presiding over the oath of office, Zulum urged the new council chairpersons and other sworn-in officials to live up to the expectations of the government and people of the state while carrying out their various responsibilities.
He said: “To the elected Local Government Chairmen, while congratulating you on your victory at the polls, I urge you to discharge your duties with utmost honesty, impartiality, compassion and fairness. You must work assiduously for the actualization of the shared prosperity mantra of our government.”
According to the governor, local governments are an integral part of the overall development focus and strategy of government.
Zulum therefore requests the new council bosses to ensure adequate attention is given to tackling the menace of poverty, joblessness, and insecurity.
He called on the new Special Advisers to consider the interest of the state at all times while discharging their duties, noting that as advisers to the governor, each of them works for the entire state.
He added that: “To the special advisers, you should advise devoid of personal interests or that of a section of the state. As special advisers, you are for the whole state and must consider the interest of the state first before any other interest. You are expected to provide expertise and knowledge in specific areas of focus, such as policy development, economic matters and social issues or any other field relevant to the government’s agenda.”
In their separate remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, the Head of Service and the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirates Affairs called on the newly sworn-in officials to imbibe strong patriotism, resolute dedication, sincerity and genuine commitment to the welfare of our people.
Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of all the sworn-in officials, Hon. Tukur Digira extended gratitude to Governor Babagana Zulum for the opportunity to serve the state.
He also gave assurance to the governor of their commitment to their responsibilities and in making a positive impact on the people of Borno State.
He said: “We understand the weight of the responsibilities bestowed upon us. We pledge to work diligently, utilizing our exceptional skills, knowledge and experience to contribute meaningfully to the success of this administration. Our advice will be honest and well-informed, sir.”
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, Senators for Borno South, Ali Ndume, Borno North, Barrister Mohammed Monguno, and Borno Central, Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan and the APC’s National Vice Chairman for the North, Ali Bukar Dalori.
The Shehu of Borno, represented by Mallam Terab of Borno, Terab Kyari Sanda, the Shehu of Dikwa, Bama, and the Emirs of Biu, Gwoza, Askira, Shani, and Uba, were also in attendance.
Others in attendance include Borno’s APC Chairman, the Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, Members of the House of Representatives, Engr Bukar Talba and Zainab Gimba, Secretary to Borno State Government, Hon Bukar Tijjani, the Head of Service Barrister Mallam Fannami, commissioners, and other government and party officials.
Zulum swears in Special Advisers, LGA Chairs, Perm Secs
Troops rescue two teenage boys escaping suspected terrorist camp in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 25 Brigade, operating from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Azir in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, have rescued two teenage boys who reportedly escaped from a suspected terrorist camp in Dusula.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 10:00 a.m. on April 1 after the village head of Azir alerted troops to the arrival of two minors in the community under suspicious circumstances.
The source said troops immediately mobilised to the village and apprehended the boys, who were later taken to the Forward Operating Base for interrogation.
He identified the teenagers as Abuna Yammadu Kala, 15, and Abulkaka Yammadu Kala, 10.
According to preliminary interrogation, the boys reportedly disclosed that they recently escaped from a suspected terrorist camp located in Dusula.
The source said the children stated that they fled the camp due to harsh conditions and fear for their lives.
He added that the minors have been moved for profiling and further necessary action.
Troops rescue two teenage boys escaping suspected terrorist camp in Borno
Troops arrest three suspected terrorists in Adamawa, foil alleged attack plan on Mubi barracks
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 232 Battalion (Tactical), in collaboration with professional hunters, have arrested three suspected terrorists during a cordon-and-search operation in Mubi North Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 1:15 a.m. on April 1 in Angwan Rami general area based on credible human intelligence on terrorist activities.
The source said the troops apprehended three suspects identified as Ado John, 27; Umaru Yunusa, 22; and Alhaji Saleh Mamman Ibrahim, 44.
He added that preliminary investigation confirmed the suspects to be members of terrorist elements operating in the area.
According to him, one of the suspects, Alhaji Saleh Mamman Ibrahim, who was previously documented as a repentant terrorist, allegedly confessed to participating in the attack on Ngoshe in Borno State.
The source further disclosed that the suspect also admitted to acting as a double agent and allegedly planning an attack on Mubi barracks with the intention of carting away weapons.
He said the suspects are currently in the custody of 232 Battalion for further investigation and intelligence exploitation.
He reaffirmed the commitment of security forces to sustain ongoing operations aimed at denying terrorists freedom of action in the North-East.
Troops arrest three suspected terrorists in Adamawa, foil alleged attack plan on Mubi barracks
China, Pakistan Unveil Five-Point Initiative to Restore Peace in Gulf, Middle East
By: Michael Mike
China and Pakistan have jointly proposed a five-point initiative aimed at de-escalating tensions and restoring stability in the Gulf and broader Middle East region.
The proposal was unveiled following a high-level meeting in Beijing between Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and China’s Foreign Minister, and Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.
Both sides reviewed the deteriorating security situation in the region and stressed the urgent need for coordinated international action to prevent further escalation.
At the core of the initiative are five key measures:
First, China and Pakistan called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, urging all parties to halt ongoing conflicts and prevent further escalation, while ensuring unhindered humanitarian access to affected populations.
Second, both countries advocated for the urgent commencement of peace talks, emphasizing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable solutions. They reaffirmed the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations in the region, including Iran, and urged all sides to refrain from the use or threat of force during negotiations.
Third, the initiative stresses the protection of civilians and non-military targets, calling for strict adherence to international humanitarian law and an immediate halt to attacks on civilian populations and critical infrastructure such as energy facilities and nuclear installations.
Fourth, China and Pakistan underscored the security of vital shipping lanes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, urging all parties to ensure the safety of vessels and crews and to restore normal maritime operations as quickly as possible.
Fifth, the two nations emphasized the primacy of the United Nations Charter, calling for strengthened multilateral cooperation and support for a comprehensive peace framework rooted in international law.
The joint proposal signals a renewed diplomatic push by Beijing and Islamabad to play a more active role in stabilizing one of the world’s most volatile regions amid rising geopolitical tensions.
China, Pakistan Unveil Five-Point Initiative to Restore Peace in Gulf, Middle East
Troops rescue two teenage boys escaping suspected terrorist camp in Borno
Troops arrest three suspected terrorists in Adamawa, foil alleged attack plan on Mubi barracks
China, Pakistan Unveil Five-Point Initiative to Restore Peace in Gulf, Middle East
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