By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has said he has never ordered the arrest of anybody, including a wide talked about members of opposition parties or those criticising his administration.
Speaking in Maiduguri on Friday, Zulum said he was shocked when he heard that some people arrested for wearing “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts by the police in Maiduguri a few days ago were being linked to his government or directive, insisting that he was not aware of the arrest.
The governor said, “His attention was focused on restoring peace and rebuilding Borno after years of Boko Haram insurgency, rather than arresting political opponents”.
He said he had repeatedly exposed himself to danger to ensure that residents of the state, including members of opposition parties, were protected from Boko Haram attacks and lived in peace.
According to Zulum, only “desperate politicians” would order the arrest of opposition supporters, stressing that he was not one of them.
The governor also questioned why he would order the arrest of anyone on political grounds, stating that Borno has remained an All Progressives Congress (APC) state for over a decade, with no fear whatsoever of the opposition party winning any elective position.
He said, “Borno had remained an APC state since the party came to power in the state for over a decade,” adding that his priority was to restore the state and improve the lives of its people.
Zulum said his administration had invested heavily in restoring peace, resettling internally displaced persons, reconstructing communities destroyed by insurgency and establishing schools, hospitals and other public infrastructure.
He said the progress recorded in Borno was the result of his administration’s dedication and commitment to rebuilding the state after years of conflict.
The governor further said it was common for some people to make what he described as false accusations against political leaders when elections were approaching in an attempt to attract political attention.
“Where were they when we were struggling to see that we had restored peace, resettled IDPs, reconstructed destroyed communities and established schools and hospitals?” he asked.
Zulum said some of those now criticising his administration had previously praised its efforts but had started portraying the government negatively as the 2027 elections approached.
He said his reward for the sacrifices and resources invested in rebuilding Borno was from God, adding that criticism would not deter him from doing more for the state until the end of his tenure.
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