…Orders Immediate Handover, Threatens Sanctions Against Contractors Over Poor Construction Standards
By: ABC News Nigeria
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has ordered the immediate suspension of the Secretary and some directors of Dikwa Local Government Council over alleged negligence and absence from duty.
The governor issued the directive on Friday during a working visit to Dikwa, where he reportedly discovered that several senior council officials were absent from their respective duty posts.
Zulum directed the affected officials to immediately hand over their responsibilities to their respective assistants pending further administrative action.
However, the Director of Primary Healthcare and the Education Secretary were exempted from the suspension after the governor found them at their duty posts during the visit.
Expressing concern over the absence of senior officials, the governor stressed that local government authorities must remain functional and accessible to residents who depend on them for essential services.
“Residents depend on the local government for essential services. Senior officials must report for duty and carry out their responsibilities. Those who neglect their duties will face disciplinary action,” Zulum said.
To ensure uninterrupted service delivery, the governor directed the Borno State Local Government Service Commission to compile the names of the affected officials and commence the necessary administrative process for filling the vacant positions.
He said the measure was aimed at strengthening accountability and ensuring that government institutions at the grassroots level discharge their responsibilities effectively.
Zulum Stops Nurses’ Quarters Construction Over Poor Quality
In a related development, Governor Zulum has ordered the immediate suspension of construction work at the nurses’ quarters in Dikwa following concerns over the quality of the ongoing project.
The governor gave the directive after inspecting the facility alongside other development projects, including Dikwa General Hospital and a mega primary school.
Dissatisfied with the standard of construction at the nurses’ quarters, Zulum ordered the contractor to stop work immediately, directing that another contractor be engaged to ensure the project meets the required specifications.
He emphasised that public funds must translate into quality infrastructure capable of serving their intended purpose for many years.
“Public funds must deliver buildings that are safe, durable and fit for use. Every contractor must meet the approved specifications. Those who fail to do so will be held accountable in accordance with the law,” the governor stated.
Zulum further warned that contractors who compromise approved construction standards or fail to honour contractual obligations would face immediate sanctions.
The twin directives underscore the governor’s emphasis on public-sector accountability and quality control in the execution of government projects, particularly in the delivery of essential services and infrastructure across Borno State.
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