Voice for the Voiceless; The Uncelebrated Figures of the Nigerian Modern Democracy: A Case Study of Babagana Zulum -By Olusegun Abejide

Borno State has produced another voice for the voiceless, despite its security challenges. Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has shown grit and focus on fighting for the disadvantaged constituents. Since he became the governor of Borno State in 2019, he has come out as one leader that is determined to do good for his people. His adopts a servant-leadership style of governance. While other myopic and self-centered politicians are busy enriching themselves through dubious means, Prof. Zulum is giving an ear to his constituents as he preaches peace and unity amid endless threats from the insurgents Boko Haram. He is one leader that has set his eyes on national unity. He believes that the strength of Nigeria is hinged on its unity against the common enemy-Boko Haram. There is little that Nigeria can achieve if Boko Haram continues to pose major threats to life and property of the country.
Assuredly, this is a governor that has stood for his people when Boko Haram insurgents remained undeterred. Even when his own life is threatened, he has remained an inspiring figure to his people. He rolled out some development projects and tried to improve infrastructure. At challenging times, citizens want a leader that will stand for them. Governor Zulum has demonstrated to the nation that leaders are supposed to fight for their people. He knew the challenges that stood his way in Borno State, and he determinedly shifted his attention to improving security and revamp the state’s economy. When leaders become kind and risk their lives for the ordinary people, a healthy environment for democracy to blossom is created. This is why, it is important to celebrate leaders that fight for the downtrodden.

STRUGGLE TO KEEP BORNO STATE SAFE

Insecurity has been a primary issue of concern in Borno State. In Professor Babagana’s quest for power, he campaigned on security agenda. He assured his people that if elected, his attention would be to restore security in a state that for long has been reduced to a battleground. Way before Boko Haram insurgents launched severe attacks on civilians, the security situation in Borno State had not been good. The violent attacks from the Boko Haram worsened the security situation in the state.
In his wisdom, governor Zulum prioritized security. Beefing up security in the state creates a favorable environment for businesses and other economic activities. He rallied all security agencies in Borno and brought many people on board to proffer ideas to help sort the security mess in his state. It is undeniable that this is one of the reasons he was elected. Governor Zulum chose a different approach, to the benefit of the state and the residents. He put politics aside and redirected his efforts to cooperation. His bipartisan approach working with other leaders regardless of their political leanings yielded results. A lot of goodies are coming to Borno State if this governor will not waver. When a leader comprehends the problems of his people, and tirelessly seeks solutions, it is indubitable such actions will create a free society where people are empowered. He has provided resources to the security agencies to ease their work including 70 patrol vehicles to the police, Nigerian army, and Civilian Joint Task Force. He also unveiled for counterterrorism squad to combat other criminal activities that threaten the peace and tranquility of Borno residents. In addition, between June and September 2019 the Borno State government donated 160 patrol vehicles to security agencies and volunteers.
As a servant leader, Zulum regularly visits them physically. This commitment motivates the security forces who are working indefatigably to restore security to this state. In most instances, some leaders fail to achieve because they lead from boardrooms. A good leader is one that occasionally stays out of their physical office to join hands with the people. Governor Zulum himself assured “I have said a number of times that this administration will not hesitate to take any measures or make any sacrifice to ensure peace and ensure that calm returns to our state. As the chief security officer of Borno State, it is my constitutional and moral responsibility to do whatever I possibly can to secure the lives of citizens and doing that, is the whole essence of government in the first place.”
This statement provides hope that the governor is ready to lead and solve problem bedeviling his state. By securing this state, people can exercise their rights and freedoms. Movement and assembly have been curtailed in Borno State since it became a flashpoint. Governor Zulum is a workaholic. In his leadership, relative peace is returning to Borno. People are becoming less worried about Boko Haram insurgency. When leaders like Zulum take over leadership in this country, it will enjoy economic freedom and provide the dividends of democracy.

RECONSTRUCTION OF BORNO STATE

Governor Zulum is reconstructing his state and putting smiles on the residents’ faces. The governor is resettling people displaced by Boko Haram by providing relief material and working tirelessly with security agencies to wipe out Boko Haram terrorists. The state has been in dire need of a leader that can rebuild it and get it to back to life. Nevertheless, the threat of Boko Haram to the state is still lingering. With good leadership from Zulum, there is a glimpse of hope that the security personnel in the state will repulse the insurgents.
Before becoming governor, Zulum had worked as a commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement. As a commissioner he stated, “Governor Shettima told me in September 2015 that he trusted me with so many funds for the rebuilding of hundreds of communities destroyed by Boko Haram, and he was worried about the displacement of more than two million people of the state. That appointment was one major challenge, and I took it up ready to die doing it or trying. Yes, at some point, there was the issue of safety since insurgents can spring surprises, but we had the overwhelming support of the residents, military, and the police in particular, as well as other security agencies, and volunteers.”
Through this governor, agriculture, housing, and other many development projects are being rolled out. In his admission, he said “We rebuilt more than 10,000 houses in Bama, schools and hospitals in that local government area, and most others. The ministry is still working, and I am sure in few months they will complete the rebuilding, and this is major history for the administration and the people of Borno.” A statement like this shows that the governor means business. Gov. Zulum has laid down precedence for other to follow.
Society becomes better when people in a position of leadership commit to serving their people. It is apparent that governor Zulum will continue to inspire Nigerians through his servant-leadership style. At these times of difficulties, citizens want a leader that can inspire hope and commit to serving them. Through this, a society can achieve strong institutions, improved economy, and better lives for the people. Professor Zulum is a man that is inspiring and should be praised for being a man of action. He does not pay lip service, but he delivers on his promises.

He is currently  the concensus of both the ruling party APC and the opposition party PDP in his state for 2023 gubanitorial election despite his promise to severve in a single term. He is still being returned  as the governor by his people unopposed.

Dr. Olusegun Bamidele Abejide
Ambassador-at-Large
International Human Rights Commission (IHRC-USA & NIGERIA).

(Courtesy: A PRE-BOOK LAUNCH CHAPTER EDITION).