By Inusa Salihu, Maiduguri
Former Caretaker Chairman of Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State, Dr Andrew Usman Malgwi, yesterday hailed the administration of Governor Babagana Zulum for executing numerous people-oriented projects, especially the completion of about 77 life-touching projects within his 100 days of second term in office.
Dr Malgwi stated this in an interview with journalists in Maiduguri after having consultation with political stakeholders, after declaring his ambition to contest as the executive chairman of Hawul Local Government on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the forthcoming local government election in the state scheduled for January 2024.
He reiterated that, while many governors perform very little in their second tenure in office, the resilient, empathetic and workaholic Governor Zulum and his deputy, Umar Usman Kadafur, have shattered the myth by executing over 77 life-touching people-oriented projects, ranging from building and equipping Primary Healthcare Centres, PHCs, to construction of staff quarters, Skills Acquisition complexes across the state.
Worthy of note, according to Malgwi, is the 100 days celebration and commissioning of various mega schools and other projects last week by the Vice-President, Senator Kashim Shettima, which also coincided with the swearing in to office of Hon. Bello Ayuba as the state APC chairman, after the elevation of the former chairman, Hon. Bukar Ali Dalori, to the office of the National Deputy Chairman, North of the APC.
He said, “Understanding Professor Zulum, the appointment of Hon. Ayuba as state APac chairman, is a show of genuine love and a landmark in translating the true meaning of democracy to the good people of Southern Borno. This confirmed to us, especially some of us from Southern Borno senatorial district that His Excellency, Governor Zulum, is a detribalised, transparent and a true leader, who has the heart to serve the entire people of Borno irrespective of their diversities.
“This singular act alone is a testimony that sooner than later, all vacant appointments meant for the people of Southern Borno be it at the state or federal level will be pursued devoid of any sentiment.
“Our governor is a God-fearing fellow, who believes in equity, fairness and justice to all his people. After his predecessor, he can be rated as the most committed and dedicated governor who meet and listen to the crying of his people.
“We are all living witnesses to the transformations going on across the state in roads, education, health, agriculture, jobs creation, youth and women empowerment, poverty alleviation and many others, are given a desired government attention by the present administration, and that is dividends of democracy we are all clamouring for in the society.”
The former chairman of Hawul Local Government went ahead to reaffirm that “it is due to Zulum’s wisdom and resilience in the security architecture collectively that led to the resettlement of millions of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, back to their liberated communities, as well as mass surrendering of the insurgents in the state.”
He added, “There is no doubt about the fact that Borno State, which was under turmoil is now gradually returning to it’s peaceful nature by the grace of God.”
Dr Malgwi who is seeking election said if voted into office, he will follow the footsteps of the governor by bringing his people closer to the government through community development projects and youth empowerment with small and medium scale loans.
Asked what his priorities are if given the mandate, he said that since the communities are known for peasant farming and pastoralism, his administration will pay more attention to the timely procurement of farm inputs such as fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, hybrid or improved seeds and delivery of farm machineries in order to boost food security in the state.
Other top priority areas, however, according to the chairmanship hopeful are education, health, road networks and water supply.
