Babagana Zulum, the Borno State governor, presided over the swearing-in of 29 special advisers, 27 local government chairpersons, and seven permanent secretaries to the State Civil Service.
The oath of office was administered at an event held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Government House by the Chief Judge of Borno, Kashim Zanna, represented by Justice Haruna Mshelia.
The newly sworn-in 27 chairpersons, including a lady from Jere Local Government, emerged as winners of the 2024 local council election held on February 20.
The 29 special advisers are a blend of Yoruba, Igbo, indigenous technocrats, and politicians from across the local councils in the state.
Speaking after presiding over the oath of office, Zulum urged the new council chairpersons and other officials to live up to the expectations of the government and the people of the state while carrying out their various responsibilities
He said: “To the elected local government chairmen, while congratulating you on your victory at the polls, I urge you to discharge your duties with the utmost honesty, impartiality, compassion and fairness. You must work assiduously for the actualization of the shared prosperity mantra of our government.”
According to the governor, local governments are an integral part of the overall development focus and strategy of government. Zulum, therefore, requests the new council bosses to ensure adequate attention is given to tackling the menace of poverty, joblessness, and insecurity.
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He called on the new special advisers to consider the interests of the state at all times while discharging their duties, noting that, as advisers to the governor, each of them works for the entire state.
He added that “To the special advisers, you should advise devoid of personal interests or that of a section of the state. As special advisers, you are for the whole state and must consider the interests of the state before any other interest. You are expected to provide expertise and knowledge in specific areas of focus, such as policy development, economic matters, social issues or any other field relevant to the government’s agenda.”
In their separate remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, the Head of Service and the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirates Affairs called on the newly sworn-in officials to imbibe strong patriotism, resolute dedication, sincerity and genuine commitment to the welfare of our people.
Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of all the sworn-in officials, Tukur Digira extended gratitude to Governor Babagana Zulum for the opportunity to serve the state.
He also gave assurance to the governor of their commitment to their responsibilities and to making a positive impact on the people of Borno State.
He said: “We understand the weight of the responsibilities bestowed upon us. We pledge to work diligently, utilising our exceptional skills, knowledge and experience, to contribute meaningfully to the success of this administration. Our advice will be honest and well-informed, sir.”
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, Senators Ali Ndume (Borno South), Mohammed Monguno (Borno North), and Kaka Shehu Lawan (Borno Central) and APC National Vice Chairman for the North, Ali Bukar Dalori.
The Shehu of Borno, represented by Mallam Terab of Borno, Terab Kyari Sanda, the Shehu of Dikwa, Bama, and the emirs of Biu, Gwoza, Askira, Shani, and Uba, were also in attendance.
Others in attendance include the Borno APC chairman, the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, Members of the House of Representatives Bukar Talba and Zainab Gimba, Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijjani, Head of Service Mallam Fannami, commissioners, and other government and party officials.
