Vows to continue with such actions as 2027 elections approaches
By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has appealed for forgiveness from the people of the state, especially those he might have stepped on their toes knowing or unknowingly in the course of discharging his duties in the last seven years.
He however vowed that as Governor whose second tenure would end in 2027, he will continue to step on toes knowing or unknowingly, especially on many of those who want to wear his shoe in the forthcoming general elections as Governor of the state.
Zulum disclosed this Yesterday (Monday) during his address at the floor of the Borno State House of Assembly soon after presenting the 2026 Appropriation Budget of about N890 billion for consideration.
He said, one of his desire is to leave office with clean heart, as well as ensure that he left substantial amount of money in the state coffers, so that, his successor would have smooth take off so as to consolidate on the achievements recorded under his administration.
The Governor however hinted that in the process of electing his successor, he believes that he must step on some toes, but insisted that such a successor must have a good leadership qualities and the pedigree to continue from where he stop.
On the outstanding gratuities of retired state civil servants which amount to billions of naira, Governor Zulum assured that, he will do everything transparently and judiciously to ensure all the issues related to settlement of all gratuities are cleared before he leave office come 2027.
His words: “Mr. Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, principal officers, Honourable members of this great chamber and the entire people of Borno state, I want to use this opportunity to thank you enough for your support and cooperation to this government.
“We shall remain eternally grateful as we move forward. But most importantly, I want appeal for forgiveness from the people of the state, especially those I might have stepped on their toes knowing or unknowingly in the course of discharging my duties in the last seven years. Please forgive me.
“However before the forthcoming 2027 general elections, I will continue to step on toes knowing or unknowingly, especially on those who want to wear my shoe as successor. Although, such a successor must have a good leadership qualities and the pedigree to continue from where I will stop.
“One of my desire is to leave office with clean heart, as well as ensure that I left substantial amount of money in the state coffers, so that, my successor would have smooth take off so as to consolidate on the achievements recorded under my administration.
“On the outstanding gratuities of retired state civil servants, let me assure you that I will do everything transparently and judiciously to ensure all the issues related to settlement of all gratuities are cleared before I leave office come 2027”. Zulum stated.
Our Correspondent observed that, already, there is ongoing alignment and realignment within prominent politicians and stakeholders from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state regarding who will be fit to succeed Zulum
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