Anthony Iwuoma
The Borno State, Governor, Babagana Zulum, has told the Islamic State of West African Province, ISWAP, that it is impossible for them to appoint a governor in Borno State because he is fully in charge of governor.
Zulum spoke with State House correspondents after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, dismissing the claim made by the terrorists.
According to him,”As far as I’m concerned. I’m the governor of Borno State and I don’t have any information that we have another government in a Nigerian state. Yes. And I’m very much in charge.”
He further explained that his visit to the villa was seek presidential assistance to repatriate over 200,000 Borno indigenes who fled to Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republic, following activities of terrorists.
“Now that we have started witnessing gradual return of peace to Borno State, these people that are taking refuge in our neighbouring countries are willing to return home.
“Therefore, Borno State government picked a date of 27th of November 2021 for the commencement of the repatriation process, especially to local government areas of Abadam and Guzamala.
“So, I came to brief Mr. President, to solicit his support, with the view to ensuring hitch-free repatriation exercise.”
With regard to the cost of the repatriation, Zulum said could not quantify, “but I think the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs with its agencies; NEMA, the Refugee Commission and indeed the Northeast Development Commission, lastly the Borno State government, have the capacity to shoulder the responsibility of the repatriation exercise.
“On the issue of internally displaced persons, yes the IDP camps are not palatable, that is why the government of Borno state and indeed the federal government, are exploiting the potentials of resettling them back to their own communities or relocating them to areas that are safe,” he said.
