By Abdul Kareem

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria – Abdulkarim Lawan, Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, voiced deep concern today over more than a decade of displacement suffered by his constituents due to insurgent activity, calling for urgent federal intervention.

Lawan delivered his remarks during a goodwill message at the 2024 June 12 Democracy Day celebration in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Acknowledging the efforts of Nigeria’s political leadership in sustaining democracy since 1999, Lawan commended Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for advancements in public infrastructure, healthcare, education, and the management of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Lawan expressed frustration over the federal government and military’s failure to reclaim Guzamala Local Government Area, his primary constituency, from Boko Haram control. He highlighted that his constituents, now refugees in Cameroon and IDPs in various local areas, remain cut off from state developmental projects.

“We have held three elections in IDP camps because our local government area is unsafe. We cannot continue like this. Our people are either living as refugees in Niger Republic or as IDPs in Monguno, Gajiram, and some in host communities here in Maiduguri,” Lawan said. “We plead with the federal government and its military to reclaim Guzamala Local Government so our people can return and rebuild their lives. We need a military deployment to Guzamala as civil authorities are completely displaced.”

Despite progress in reclaiming communities and returning IDPs, Lawan noted ongoing security challenges in northern Borno that require military attention.

“Kukawa town and Abadam Local Government headquarters are still unsafe due to a lack of military presence. Our people have no access to their farms and livelihoods. We urgently need help,” he added.

Lawan, who has served as an assembly member since 2007 and as Speaker since 2011, urged Acting Governor Usman Kadafur to press the federal government on the matter.

In response, Kadafur assured that the Borno State government is actively working to ensure the safe return of Guzamala’s displaced residents.

“We have established a high-powered committee to ensure the people of Guzamala return to their homes before the end of this administration,” Kadafur said.