Mohammed Ali Jajari, the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and 2023 gubernatorial candidate in Borno State, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babagana Umara Zulum to shift from rhetoric to action to address the lingering insecurity and suffering in the state.
In a press statement signed and made available to Tribune Online in Maiduguri on Monday, Jajari expressed concern over the continued ravage of ordinary citizens’ lives by Boko Haram, kidnapping, and banditry, despite the government’s claims to have dismantled criminal networks.
“While the present government is claiming to have disrupted & dismantled criminal networks, Boko Haram, Kidnapping & banditry continue to ravage the lives of many ordinary citizens of Nigeria,” Jajari said.
He noted that political officeholders in Borno state enjoy security protection, while the masses they swore to protect are left vulnerable. “Whereas, from the President to the lowest political officeholder in Nigeria is protected by securities, the ordinary masses whom they swore to protect are left unattended.”
Jajari extended his condolences to the people of Gwoza, who recently suffered suicide attacks that killed dozens and injured many others.
“My heart goes out to the people of Gwoza, there has been terrible news & great sadness to our dear state Borno & Nigeria at large. A bomb blast in Gwoza has killed dozens & so many injured. Indeed it was a terrible affliction,” he stated.
He lamented the widespread poverty and disconnect between Borno people and public officeholders, urging the federal government, states, and security agencies to stop the empty rhetoric and take action.
“The debilitating & grinding poverty afflicts us all. There’s utter disconnect between Nigerians and Public officeholders. We call on the federal government, States & Security agencies to stop the empty rhetoric and act now,” said Jajari.