Zulum opposes comparison with other governors

By Christiana Ekpa

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has appealed to supporters to stop comparing him with other governors.

Noting that he appreciates their admiration, Zulum insists it was unfair judging others due to peculiarities across states.

The governor spoke on Monday in a statement by his spokesman, Isa Gusau.

Zulum said he feels uncomfortable being negatively likened with colleagues, especially if the commentators belong to social media groups associated with the state.

He described the situation as unhealthy as administrations have priorities, depending on developmental plans and the people’s needs.

“In Borno’s case, we have to be desperate in our recovery efforts because we have been faced with 12 years of war, resulting in thousands of deaths and displacement of 2 million people with humanitarian needs.

“From the World Bank’s Recovery and Peace-Building Assessment report on the Northeast, Borno lost 956,453 private houses, representing 30 per cent of total houses, to insurgent destructions.

“665 municipal buildings comprising ministries, LGA buildings, prisons, police stations and electric offices were destroyed in Borno.

“5,335 classrooms and other school buildings were destroyed in 512 primary schools, 38 secondary schools and two tertiary institutions.

“201 health centres, mostly primary healthcare clinics, dispensaries and some General Hospitals were all destroyed.”

The governor further regretted the destruction of 726 power substations and distribution lines, 1,630 water sources including motorized and solar-powered boreholes, hand pumps and facilities for piped water schemes.

Zulum added that Borno’s developmental aggression is not driven by competition, but by realities of unquantifiable challenges.

The statement advised Zulum’s admirers to desist from insulting any leader on the basis of whatever is being achieved in the state.