News
Of Zulum And The Ex- Political Thugs
By: Inuwa Bwala
For over 20 years, lack of deliberate investment in the youths have compelled mist of them to seek for means of survival. The luckier ones had found their ways out, while the less lucky ones have become easy tools for recruitment into crime or political thuggery.
By whatever name they were known, thuggery has been their stock in trade. Manipulating them as cannon fodders or using them as shields against rival thugs was a vougue amongst politicians in Borno state.
Most politicians had their private thugs, who accompany them virtually every where: facilitating their passages at public functions or intimidating perceived opponents. Those who were not attached to particular politicians were always available for hire.
Infact, politics became the habitation for jobless youths, most of whom lack skills to be gainfully self employed or hired by the Government or the private sector.
At a point, the fear of political thugs who could embarrass any public officer at occasions or go after perceived political foes of their paymasters was the begging of wisdom.
Rightly or wrongly, there was a narrative on the genesis of Boko Haram, to the effect that, greater number of the foot soldiers metamorphosed from political thugs, popularly known in Borno as ECOMOG.
Before the advent of this administration and to a large extent the previous one, political thugs or ECOMOG as they were known held the government to a ransom, whereby political office holder pay royalties to remain safe or move about unhindered.
It was perhaps the most pleasing piece of news to most public officers, when Governor Babagana Umara Zulum announced his administration’s zero tolerance for thuggery and political violence.
Going ahead to mop up the 200 youths from the streets of Maiduguri and Jere and engaging them as trainees for various skills was however a masterstrock.
The climax of it all was the provision of start up capitals, ranging from half a million Naira to two million Naira for each one of them to start their own businesses.
For those who might have tested the nuisance of political thugs, taking 200 of them off the streets and putting them into productive ventures must have been the biggest relief thus far.
Seeing the faces of those I have known over the years as thugs or political urchins, I could not help commending the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development in Borno State, Comrade Saina Buba, for painstakingly identifying each of the youths and bringing them forth, to reap from their over twenty years of aimless wandering and destructive misadventures.
Above all, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum may have found the antidote to youth restiveness and vulnerability to crime and criminality, by this singular move.
I stand to be corrected, by I believe Zulum’s initiative is the first in the region, aimed at bringing out Gold out of cast away brass.
With this development, youths from other areas have been given hopes that, they could still be useful to the society afterall: the only precondition is for them to renounce the old trade and embrace the new vision introduced by Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and former First Lady Patience Ibifaka Jonathan recently celebrated a significant family milestone as they attended the graduation ceremony of their son, Ariara Goodluck Jonathan, at Manchester Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom.
The proud parents joined family members and well-wishers to witness Ariara receive his degree, marking the successful completion of his academic programme. The occasion was filled with joy as the Jonathan family commemorated the achievement, highlighting the importance they place on education and personal development.
The graduation ceremony attracted warm congratulatory messages from friends, associates, and admirers, who wished the graduate continued success in his future endeavours.
The Following names joined the political family of Sen. Dr. George Akume today after leaving the sinking Alia ship .
Under the leadership of Barr. Emmanuel Jime .
The are ;
Chief Nelson Alapa
Douglas pepe SAN senatorial Aspirant zone A,
Engr Peter Ashiekaa
QS Clement Beetseh
Former commissioners
Joy Luga
Ann itodo
Barr martins Shaagee
Miss Dorcas
Prof Usar Joseh
Prof Cephas Tushima
Chief Patrick Idoko
Hon Patience Akor
Hon Fred Idoko
Hon Lawrence Ekpo Onoja Jnr
Hon Andrew Abah
Hon Agbo Innocent Ikwumonu
Hon Simon Omachoko
Hon David Egboja
Dr John Garba
Among together,
Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSE, Executive Director (Networks) of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, on his renomination as the Vice Presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
In his message, Engr. Bello described the renomination as a beautiful affirmation of the Vice President’s enduring commitment to Nigeria’s unity, stability, and prosperity. He noted that Senator Shettima, himself a former Senator of the Federal Republic, has consistently embodied resilience, foresight, and a deep sense of responsibility, qualities that continue to inspire confidence across the nation.
“This renomination is a shining testament to your unwavering dedication to the Nigerian people,” Engr. Bello stated. “It reflects the trust of the party and the citizens in your ability to guide our country toward greater progress, peace, and prosperity. Your leadership has been a beacon of hope, and this endorsement is richly deserved.”
Engr. Bello further emphasized that Senator Shettima’s political journey has been marked by courage and service. From his tenure as Governor of Borno State to his current role as Vice President, he has consistently championed initiatives that address national challenges, foster economic growth, and promote inclusive development.
As a leader in the power sector, Engr. Bello highlighted the importance of visionary leadership in driving infrastructure and energy reforms. He expressed confidence that Senator Shettima’s continued role in government will further strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to deliver reliable power, expand opportunities, and improve the quality of life for millions of citizens.
He prayed that Almighty Allah grants the Vice President wisdom, strength, and good health to continue serving the nation with distinction. “May Allah bless your efforts, guide your decisions, and grant you success as you carry forward the responsibility of leadership,” he added.
The message concluded with a reaffirmation of goodwill and support: “Congratulations once again, Your Excellency. We look forward to your continued contributions to the peace, progress, and prosperity of Nigeria.”
Signed:Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSEExecutive Director (Networks)Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC)
Goodluck Jonathan’s Family Celebrates Son’s Graduation in UK
2027 BENUE GUBER: MORE TROUBLE FOR GOV ALIA
ENGR. BELLO BABAYO BELLO FELICITATES VICE PRESIDENT KASHIM SHETTIMA ON RENOMINATION
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