By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri
Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, has denied ordering the arrest of anyone, including opposition supporters or persons critical of his administration.
Zulum, who spoke in Maiduguri on Friday, said he was shocked by reports linking his administration to the arrest of some people allegedly detained by the police for wearing “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts in the city
The governor said he was not aware of the arrests and had not issued any directive authorising the police to detain the individuals
He said his administration was focused on restoring peace and rebuilding Borno State after years of Boko Haram insurgency, rather than arresting political opponents
According to him, he had repeatedly exposed himself to danger to protect residents of the state, including members of opposition parties, and ensure they lived in peace
Zulum said only “desperate politicians” would order the arrest of opposition supporters, stressing that he was not one of them
He also questioned why he would order the arrest of anyone on political grounds, arguing that Borno had remained an All Progressives Congress, APC, stronghold for more than a decade
The governor said there was no reason for his administration to fear opposition parties winning elective positions in the state
He said Borno had remained an APC state since the party came to power, adding that his priority was to restore the state and improve the living conditions of its people
Zulum said his administration had invested heavily in restoring peace, resettling internally displaced persons, reconstructing communities destroyed by insurgency and providing schools, hospitals and other public infrastructure
He said the progress recorded in the state was the result of his administration’s commitment to rebuilding Borno after years of conflict
The governor further said it was common for some people to make what he described as false accusations against political leaders as elections approached, in an attempt to attract political attention
“Where were they when we were struggling to see that we had restored peace, resettled IDPs, reconstructed destroyed communities and established schools and hospitals?” he asked
Zulum said some of those currently criticising his administration had previously praised its efforts but had begun portraying the government negatively as the 2027 elections approached
He said his reward for the sacrifices and resources invested in rebuilding Borno was from God, adding that criticism would not deter him from continuing to work for the state until the end of his tenure