Dauda R Pam Maiduguri
Borno state government has convened its maiden State Executive Council retreat in Damasak,a former stronghold of BokoHaram criminals,aimed at informing the top brass of the government on the realities of post insurgency challenges of reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement processes.
Speaking at the retreat which held at the Conference Hall of the Mobar local government Secretariat, Damasak, the Borno state Governor, Professor Babagana Umata Zulum said, “you would be wandering why we brought this retreat to Damasak. This is to remind us of the enormous challenges of insurgency and governance “.
ZULUM, further remarked,” retreats are usually carried out in Serene and comfort zones. We may hold this retreat in Obudu cattle range but we are holding this retreat in Damasak which use to be a stronghold of BokoHaram insurgency, to remind us that governance is not about comfort alone “.
He said ” we are here to stay for few days but our mothers, fathers. Sisters and brothers are permanently living here. Many decisions are taken in serene environment, but I am of the view that some time better decisions are taken, even in crisis environment “.
” we are gathered here to bring us face to face with reality of the security challenges we found yourselves in. On our way coming,we saw rusty villages and towns that use to be bee hive of activities but are now deserted and shadows of themselves, ” Prof. Zulum lamented.
He added,“we are also here to review and re-strategise on how best to face the enormous challenges of post insurgency governance in line with my ten point pact agenda “, he added.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Usman Jidda Shuwa,said ” it is indeed a global best practices for political leaders and business executives to go on retreat away from familiar working environment and routine social and domestic pressures to serene locations to brainstorm on policy issues and come up with pragmatic strategy for effective and efficient programme implimetation. This practice was abandoned for years even before the security challenges. We sincerely appreciate the ingenuity and foresightedness of Governor Zulum.for reintroducing this activity. ”
” the current political disposition, the momentum and style of leadership requires a serious reorientation of all of us.we need to understand the philosophy of the new leader, the goals and objectives before we can be effective members of transformation team, ” Alhaji Shuwa said.
According to the SSG” the issues to be discussed range from governance in crisis situation, policy articulation, programme implementation, protocol and procurement, laws and accountability, most importantly, the discussion is triggered by the lead papper by H.E.himself.. He is going to make open his vission and aspiration for the people of Borno state through his well articulated 10 point pact”.
Also,the Borno state Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Babakura Abba Jatau, said ” the reason of being here is for His Excellency to tell us how to go about implementing his ten point agenda.
