By Abdulkareem Haruna

MAIDUGURI – The Acting Governor of Borno State, Dr Usman Umar Kadafur, on Thursday, swore in the 27 newly elected local government chairmen with a stern warning against “ceremonial leadership” and the culture of governing from the state capital.

In an address that combined high expectations with the grim reality of the state’s developmental challenges, Mr. Kadafur characterized the new appointments not as a political victory to be celebrated, but as an “induction into a furnace of responsibility.”

The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Government House in Maiduguri, follows the recent local council polls conducted by the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission (BOSIEC).

End of ‘Maiduguri-based’ Governance

A major highlight of the Acting Governor’s charge was a directive targeting the long-standing habit of local government chairmen residing in Maiduguri, the state capital, far away from the rural communities they represent.

“The challenges before you are enormous and daunting. There is no room for absenteeism or ceremonial leadership,” the Governor said.

Newly elected Council Chairpersons taking their oath office

“You must reside and work within your Local Government Areas. Your presence is vital for enhanced security, oversight, and for the people to feel your impact.”

He reminded the officials that their offices are “workstations,” not “thrones,” , adding that their physical presence is a non-negotiable requirement for effective governance and security monitoring.

Zero Tolerance for ‘Vanity Projects’

The Acting Governor, who assumed office two weeks ago, as his principal, Governor Babagana Zulum, a professor of irrigation engineering known for his hands-on and often blunt style, proceeded for his annual leave, warned the chairmen to be the “guardians of every Naira” they receive on behalf of their councils.

He directed them to align their spending with the state’s 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative, focusing strictly on essentials that improve security and human dignity. “No vanity projects,” he warned.

On the issue of labor relations, the Governor took a two-pronged approach. While he declared that the timely payment of salaries and entitlements for local government staff is “non-negotiable,”  he also ordered the chairmen to enforce strict discipline among the workforce.

“All workers must report to their duty posts promptly. Productivity and discipline must be restored,” he said.

Environmental Crimes and Security                            Beyond administrative duties, the Acting Governor tasked the chairmen with acting as the first line of defense against environmental degradation. He specifically mentioned the “scourge of illegal mining and deforestation” as critical threats to the state’s future.

He urged the leaders to work harmoniously with security agencies and traditional institutions to protect natural resources and maintain law and order.

Accountability and Citizen Oversight

In a move to foster transparency, Dr Kadafur declared that the era of “government as a closed entity” is over. He called on the chairmen to welcome public scrutiny and engage their communities openly.

Addressing the citizens of Borno, the Acting Governor urged them to become active participants in the democratic process by monitoring the performance of the new chairmen.

“Watch closely,” Kadafur urged the public. “Hold these leaders to the promises they made to you during their campaigns. Your vigilant engagement is the lifeblood of our democracy.”

He said the Ministry for Local Government and Emirate Affairs has been directed to ensure “close supervision” of the chairmen’s performance to ensure the state’s 25-Year Development Plan stays on track.

Earlier, the state commissioner for Local Government and Emirates Affairs, Hon. Sugun Mai Mele, in an elaborate opening remark implored on the new council executives to make the most of the opportunity given to them.

The Secretary to the Government of Borno State, Dr  who moderated the ceremony urged the new council leaders to count themselves lucky to be elected under the administration of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum who has ensured “semi-local council autonomy despite the inability of other states to give some level of financial independence to their local government councils.

He further described them as a special set of council leaders because their tenures would overlap to a new and fresh administration beyond 2027. Therefore, he urged them to use their good offices “to ensure the ruling party – our party APC wins big in all the coming elections by not only working for the people but also campaigning for its success.”