From HASSAN JIRGI, Maiduguri
Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum has presented staff of office to the new Shehu of Bama, Dr Umar ElKanemi, at the township stadium in Bama town.
The emergence of the second Shehu of Bama followed the demise of his father, Alhaji Shehu Kyari Ibn Ibrahim ElKanemi, after 30 years on the throne.
The governor charged the monarch to continue to unify the people of his emirate, carry the ruling houses along, while remaining open and receptive to positive contributions from relevant stakeholders.
He said his administration is conscious of the positive roles that traditional rulers play in promoting greater understanding and peaceful co-existence among the people.
“Your contributions have been most appreciable and rewarding in the mobilisation of our citizens to compliment government’s efforts.
“Members of the community have immensely contributed to the socio-economic and political regeneration, peace and stability that we enjoy as a state,” the governor said.
Zulum reiterated that his administration would continue to pursue policies and programmes that will improve the quality of life of the people in line with Borno State’s 25-year development framework and 10-year strategic transformation plan.
He announced plans to close down the Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, camp in Bama and resettle the people of Daral Jamal, Tarmua, Mayanti, Bula Yobe, Abbaram, Goniri and Kumshe by the end of the year.
“I have released funds for the restoration of electricity to Bama and will want to assure you that Gwoza town will also be electrified”, he assured.
Governor Zulum commended Vice President Kashim Shettima, under whose leadership the construction of Bama town started.
He appreciated the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and other traditional rulers within and from the neighbouring countries of Chad and Cameroon for attending the event.
In his address, the new monarch promised to continue to build bridges of understanding, support government policies for sustainable peace and development of the area.
He commended the governor for the timely resettlement of displaced communities, inputs and agro-chemicals to farming communities and livelihood to victims of insurgency.
The governor had earlier commissioned the newly constructed government lodge in Konduga Local Government Area.
