…Declares End to Absenteeism, Says Leadership is Service, Not Privilege
By: Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri
The Acting Governor of Borno State, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur, on 29th January 2026 administered the oath of office to 27 newly elected local government chairmen at the Multipurpose Hall, Government House, Maiduguri. The oath of office and oath of allegiance were administered by Justice Haruna Mshelia.
Addressing the newly sworn-in council chairmen, Acting Governor Kadafur underscored the enormity of the responsibility bestowed upon them by the electorate, describing their mandate as a social contract rooted in public trust and democratic accountability. “This ceremony is not a celebration of power; it is an induction into profound responsibility,” Kadafur stated. “The people of your local government areas are not subjects—they are your principals. Your stewardship will be measured by your commitment to transparency, prudence, and service delivery at the grassroots.”
The Acting Governor charged the chairmen to exercise fiscal prudence and align all projects with the state’s 25-Year Development Plan and the 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative. He warned against vanity projects, directing that all expenditures must prioritize programs that directly improve the lives and dignity of citizens. “You are guardians of public resources. Every naira must be accounted for, and every project must align with our strategic pillars,” he emphasized.
Kadafur also directed immediate attention to the welfare of local government staff, declaring that timely payment of salaries and entitlements is non-negotiable. He further mandated that all workers report promptly to duty posts to restore productivity and discipline across councils.
In a stern directive, the Acting Governor warned against absentee leadership, insisting that all chairmen must reside and work within their respective local government areas. “Your offices are not trophies; they are workstations. The era of administering councils from Maiduguri or elsewhere is over,” Kadafur declared. “You must be physically present to oversee projects, engage communities, and coordinate security efforts. Absenteeism will not be tolerated, and violators will face administrative and disciplinary measures.”
He stressed that transparency and public accountability are fundamental to modern governance, urging the chairmen to engage citizens and welcome scrutiny. “The era of government as a closed entity is over. You must serve publicly and transparently,” he said.
Acting Governor Kadafur charged the chairmen, as chief custodians of law and order at the grassroots, to work harmoniously with security agencies and traditional institutions. He called for vigilance in addressing security threats and urged aggressive action against illegal mining and deforestation, which he described as existential threats to the environment and livelihoods. The Acting Governor also commended the outgoing caretaker chairmen for their dedication and service, wishing them success in their future endeavors.
Kadafur lauded Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his visionary leadership, commitment to democratic governance, and financial support for the conduct of free, fair, and transparent local government elections through the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission, BOSIEC. He also commended the Borno State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, for the passage of legislation extending the tenure of elected local government chairmen and councillors from two to three years.
“This landmark legislative intervention demonstrates maturity, foresight, and genuine commitment to democratic stability and institutional continuity,” Kadafur noted. “The extended tenure will provide councils with the necessary time to plan, implement, and complete meaningful development programs.”
The Acting Governor highlighted that Borno State is fully compliant with local government financial autonomy, with councils now receiving allocations directly into their accounts, a development he described as unprecedented in the state’s history. “Financial autonomy is not a license for recklessness. It comes with enormous responsibility,” he cautioned. “All expenditures must be backed by legislative approvals and guided by financial regulations and procurement laws. Any irregularity will be tracked and sanctioned.”
He challenged the chairmen to initiate and complete visible development projects, noting that funding can no longer be cited as an excuse for non-performance.
Kadafur directed the chairmen to familiarize themselves thoroughly with the state’s 25-Year Development Plan and the 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative, describing these frameworks as the strategic roadmap for Borno’s transformation. “These are not optional documents. They are your guiding compass. All policies, programs, and projects must align with this vision,” he stated.
He urged prioritization of infrastructure restoration, agricultural promotion, food security, healthcare, education revitalization, and youth and women empowerment, especially in liberated communities undergoing resettlement and reconstruction.
The Acting Governor charged the chairmen to actively support the ongoing All Progressives Congress, APC, e-registration exercise and to cooperate fully with the APC Reconciliation Committee chaired by Ambassador [name], which is tasked with healing internal rifts and rebuilding party cohesion. He also emphasized the importance of continuous voter registration mobilization ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing it as a non-negotiable mandate requiring total commitment.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Alhaji Suwun Mai Mele, described the inauguration as a historic milestone in Borno’s democratic journey. He praised Governor Zulum for conducting local government elections for the third consecutive time, transparently, peacefully, and without delay, at a time when grassroots democracy is being undermined in many states.
“This administration has redefined leadership as service, sacrifice, and courage. Under His Excellency’s visionary guidance, governance has become purposeful, people-centered, and transparent,” Mai Mele stated. He also commended the newly elected chairmen, noting the emergence of younger, energetic, and grassroots-tested leaders as a strategic investment in sustainable governance and inclusive leadership. The Commissioner urged the chairmen to lead with humility, courage, and responsibility, reminding them that their success will be measured not by titles, but by the lives they uplift and the trust they build.
On behalf of the 27 newly inaugurated chairmen, Alhaji Ali Bolori, Chairman of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, expressed profound gratitude to Acting Governor Kadafur and Governor Zulum for their exemplary leadership and unwavering support for grassroots democracy. “This mandate belongs to the people, and we solemnly promise to serve with honesty, transparency, and dedication,” Bolori pledged. “We will align with your development agenda and work in unity with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth, women, and all stakeholders to strengthen peace and progress.”
He particularly commended the tenure extension legislation, describing it as a reflection of deep understanding of grassroots governance needs.
The ceremony was attended by the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, members of the State and National Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, the Head of Service, the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, top government functionaries, APC party stalwarts, family members, friends, and well-wishers.
En.
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