Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, called upon communities in the state to welcome former insurgents who have embraced repentance.
The governor made this appeal in Maiduguri during the presentation of the state’s N340.6 billion 2024 Appropriation Bill to the House of Assembly.
Zulum highlighted that the recent coup in Niger Republic has impacted the repatriation of over 120,000 Nigerian refugees from the neighboring country.
Expressing understanding of concerns related to retribution, especially considering the Federal Government’s ‘Operation Safe Corridor,’ and the Borno State Government’s initiative to reintegrate ex-combatants, Zulum urged communities to support surrendered insurgents in resettling and reintegrating.
He emphasized the potential risks if these individuals were left unattended in the bush, asserting that managing them in repentance is a preferable option.
“We understand your fears, but imagine that these people are left in the bush; they would have been wreaking more havoc than imagined,” Zulum adding that “managing them in repentance is, therefore, better.”
Zulum disclosed securing grants, including €10 million and €500,000 from Germany and Switzerland, to aid in the resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the reintegration of repentant insurgents in their ancestral communities.
Addressing the repatriation of Nigerian refugees, Zulum listed planned projects for Northern Borno Local Government Areas, jokingly acknowledging the absence of mention for Guzamala LGA, the home LGA of the State House of Assembly Speaker, Abdulkarim Lawan.
He attributed this to the Niger Republic coup hindering the repatriation plans.
The governor detailed the allocation of the 2024 Budget of Consolidation and Progress, with Finance and Economic Development receiving the highest share at N53.8 billion, followed by Health at N51.1 billion, and Education at N39.4 billion.
Zulum humbly sought forgiveness for any offenses during his gubernatorial duties, promising to remain focused on the state’s prosperity.
Governor Zulum encouraged communities to support repentant insurgents, highlighted challenges in repatriating refugees due to the Niger Republic coup, secured international grants for resettlement initiatives, and expressed commitment to the state’s development.
