…SAYS I PREFER TO BE GOVERNOR OF BORNO THAN VICE PRESIDENT
The Governor of Borno State and second term aspirant in the 2023 Governorship election, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday, picked his second term ticket with a message that he will not accept Vice presidential offer from any candidate.
Speaking in Maiduguri, few minutes after accepting his nomination to serve as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, in Borno for the 2023 governorship, Zulum said there is the need for him to continue to do his work as the governor of the state than to be Vice president.
Speaking further, the governor reminded the APC faithfuls that the APC would be holding her presidential primaries this weekend expressing surprise by all kinds of promotional media content, including articles by notable columnists, associating him with the 2023 presidency.
“Let me reveal with apologies, that some close associates of key presidential aspirants have sent me offers for the position of running mate, as possible Vice President, depending on the outcome of the APC presidential primaries by the weekend.
“I have thought deeply about these offers because becoming Vice President is considered attractive. I have thought about all the powers and privileges of being VP.
“I can see the honor of presiding over meetings attended by Governors and Ministers and the privilege of having a presidential Jet at one’s disposal. I can see the honor of presidential receptions within and outside Nigeria.
“However, I have asked myself, should I get the opportunity to become VP and raise my political profile, what happens to all our ongoing works for the people of Borno State?
“We have built more than 10, 000 houses and currently more of such and reconstructing existing ones, for ongoing resettlement of our people. We have resettled more than 20 communities so far.
“Yet, thousands of our fellow citizens are still homeless and in desperate need of food, water, and healthcare.
“We have adopted a development plan that we are already implementing
“I have asked myself, what happens to all these plans that I am central to, which are helping to fast track our recovery in Borno State?” He queried.
He disclosed that at the weekend, more than 30 youths were killed around Kala-Balge, areas of the state, adding that the issues should remind the residents of the reality of the problems of the State.
According to him, there’s the need for the residents of the state to deliberately unite towards the recovery, stability, and prosperity of Borno State.
Governor Zulum decried the killings are Kala-Balge at the weekend, stating that it made him more critical of the incident.
He added that it seriously reminded him of the challenges that are still ahead of his administration in Borno State.
“I concluded that while a chance to become Vice President could benefit my profile as an individual, becoming reelected as Governor of Borno State has the potential of more overall and more assurance of benefit to the good people of Borno State.
“I, therefore, say that while I thank those who may be considering me for the position of VP, I prefer to stay back and work drastically for the people of Borno State because for me as a citizen of Borno State, working with others to hastily rebuild Borno State is the most urgent need and it is beyond any aspiration.
“I profoundly thank everyone who thought of me worthy of any responsibility and I +pray that Allah helps us to work towards the full restoration of peace, the full recovery, and the growth of Borno State.
“I am grateful to our party executives at all levels for supporting us. I am grateful to all serving and former public office holders who constitute our stakeholders.” He said.
He thanked the delegates who elected him at the primaries for his second tenure.
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