By Abdulkareem Haruna

In a significant development, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State signed nine different Bills passed by the State House of Assembly into law on Wednesday. Among these, the “Borno State Social Investment Bill” stood out as a groundbreaking initiative that will provide a legal framework for the state to offer special support to victims of Boko Haram’s heinous attacks.

The signing ceremony, held at the council chambers of the Government House in Maiduguri, witnessed the presence of key officials from the Borno State House of Assembly, including the Speaker, AbdulKarim Lawan. The event marked a crucial milestone in the state’s efforts to address the challenges faced by those affected by the decade-long insurgency.

Governor Zulum, while addressing the gathering, emphasized the significance of the Social Investment Bill in providing social services, including cash and consumables assistance, to the victims of the Boko Haram insurgency. He stated, “The Social Investment Bill provides social services such as cash and consumables assistance to the victims of Boko Haram insurgency. This bill will ensure that the most vulnerable members of our society, who have suffered immensely at the hands of terrorists, receive the support they urgently need.”

In addition to the Social Investment Bill, Governor Zulum signed eight other Bills into law, each addressing various pressing concerns in the state. These included the Borno State Criminal Justice Administration Laws, The Borno State Penal Code Law, The Borno State Secondary Education Board Bill, Borno State Investment Protection Bill, Borno Primary Healthcare Development Bill, Borno State Drugs and Other Medical Consumable Bill, Borno State Livestock Management Bill, and the Borno Local Government Amendment Bill.

Elaborating on some of these laws, Governor Zulum highlighted the importance of the Borno State Criminal Justice Administration Law in tackling the rising cases of rape and political thuggery. He stated, “The Borno State Criminal Justice Administration Law will address the increasing cases of rape and political thuggery. Those found involved in political thuggery risk seven (7) years imprisonment and their sponsors will also not go unpunished. We are determined to stamp out these criminal activities and ensure the safety and security of our citizens.”

Furthermore, Governor Zulum shed light on the Borno State Investment Protection Bill, which seeks to empower the state to harness its vast mineral resources. He explained, “The Borno State Investment Protection Bill seeks to provide the state with the powers to tap the vast mineral deposit in the state. Borno State is endowed with abundant natural resources, and this bill will create an enabling environment for investors to explore and develop these resources, thereby stimulating economic growth and creating jobs for our people.”

Governor Zulum also addressed the issue of fake and counterfeit drugs, emphasizing the role of the Drugs and Medical Consumable Bills in combating this menace. He stated, “The Drugs and Medical Consumable Bills seek to address the problem of scams and reduce the issue of fake and counterfeit drugs. These bills will strengthen the regulatory framework for the distribution and sale of drugs, ensuring that our citizens have access to safe and genuine medicines.”

The governor further outlined plans for a government agency to not only distribute drugs to government health facilities but also sell them to private pharmacies and health facilities. This initiative aims to improve the availability and accessibility of essential medicines throughout the state.

Governor Zulum expressed his appreciation for the cordial working relationship between the State House of Assembly and the executive arm of

the government. He acknowledged the collective efforts of both branches in shaping the legislative landscape of Borno State. Over the past four years, he noted, the executive arm had sent about 70 bills to both the 9th and 10th Assembly, most of which were passed by the House and received his assent. This, he emphasized, was a testament to the effective collaboration and shared vision between the two branches of government.

Before the governor’s signing of the nine bills, Speaker AbdulKarim Lawan of the Borno State House of Assembly provided some context to the legislative process. He revealed that of the nine bills being signed, three originated from the 9th Assembly, while the remaining six were from the 10th Assembly. All these bills, he confirmed, were passed by the 10th Assembly.

Speaker Lawan also took the opportunity to reflect on the legislative achievements of the 9th Assembly, which received a total of 67 bills, all of which were passed. He expressed his gratitude to Governor Zulum for his leadership and for fostering a cordial relationship between the House and the Executive. This harmonious relationship, he said, had been instrumental in the successful passage of numerous bills that aimed to improve the lives of the people of Borno State.