Zulum endorses Kebbi gov for second term

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has endorsed the re-election of Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, describing him as a generous, hardworking and visionary leader with the charisma, character and capacity to lead the state for eight years.

Zulum spoke on Sunday in Maiduguri when media aides to Idris, led by the Kebbi State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Birnin Kebbi, paid him a courtesy visit.

The Borno governor said Idris had demonstrated the leadership qualities required to unite the people and accelerate development across Kebbi State.

“I knew him during the campaign period of my second term. He is a comrade that I honour and respect. He is also a trusted man who accommodates people with one mind.

“Leadership requires sacrifice, dedication, courage and the ability to unite people across political, ethnic and other divides. Governor Nasir Idris has demonstrated these qualities”, Zulum said.

Zulum urged the people of Kebbi to support continuity in governance, saying a full eight-year tenure would enable the governor to consolidate his achievements.

“The people of Kebbi State should support him to complete his eight years, which will give him the opportunity to continue with his good work and ensure sustainable growth in all sectors,” he said.

He also commended the Idris administration for its achievements in security, education, agriculture, healthcare, road infrastructure and human capital development.

“I know the efforts of the Kebbi State Governor because in my state, I also face the same problem, which is a big task ahead of us,” Zulum said, referring to the security challenges confronting both states.

Zulum recalled his visit to Kebbi last year, saying he was impressed by the pace of development across the state. He specifically commended the administration for investments in education and healthcare, road construction, agriculture, the construction of a modern state secretariat and central motor park, as well as empowerment programmes targeting farmers, youths and the elderly.

“These projects have direct impact on the lives of the people and demonstrate the commitment of the administration to people-oriented governance,” he said.

Zulum further described Idris as a leader with “good manners, wisdom and the ability to foster unity among the political class,” stressing that political unity was essential for sustainable development.

Earlier, Birnin Kebbi said the delegation was in Maiduguri to strengthen the existing relationship between Kebbi and Borno states.

He said the visit would also enable Kebbi media officials to understudy Borno’s experience in security management and public communication.

“Our visit is aimed at strengthening the existing relationship between Kebbi and Borno States and providing an opportunity for us to learn from Borno’s experience, particularly in security management and public communication”, he said.

He recalled the conferment of the traditional title of Zannan Borno on Idris by the Shehu of Borno, describing it as “a symbol of the enduring friendship, collaboration and unity between the people and governments of Kebbi and Borno States.”

The commissioner also highlighted the Kebbi administration’s interventions in education, healthcare, infrastructure and agriculture, including the free distribution of fertiliser to farmers.

He expressed appreciation to Zulum for receiving the delegation and for supporting stronger cooperation between the two states.