As the nation continues to grapple with efforts to end Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, Peter Obi has applauded Governor Babagana Zulum’s bold and courageous efforts to restore hope to the people of Marte, a remote Borno village which terrorists recently attacked.
The commendation came after Governor Zulum reportedly spent a night in the community to reassure local villagers in the area.
Marte was rebuilt and its residents relocated a few years ago after it was reclaimed from terrorists who had subjected the community to several years of harassment and attacks.
Obi, who was the Labour Party (LP) Presidential candidate in the 2023 election, hailed Zulum’s bold, decisive action.
According to Obi, writing on his X handle: “I have always maintained that Nigeria works best when leadership is driven by compassion, competence, and courage,” adding that “Governor Zulum has shown all three.”
Obi described the security situation in Borno state as “concerning and very unsettling.”
He also noted that what is happening in the Marte area of the state “is not just a local emergency; it is a national alarm bell that must not be ignored.”
“Governor Babagana Zulum, by choosing to spend the night in a town under threat, has once again demonstrated what leadership should look like: present, proactive, and people-centred. His courage is not for commendation alone; it is a challenge to those in authority to match words with decisive action,” Obi stated.
“We cannot claim to be building a secure and united Nigeria when one of our own, a sitting governor, is left pleading for federal support to prevent an entire local government from falling into the hands of terrorists. Over 300 communities stand exposed, while more than 20,000 of our fellow Nigerians are displaced yet again.
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“These are not just numbers, they are families, children, and communities whose hopes are hanging by a thread,” he continued.
“Governor Zulum has raised critical concerns: that insurgents are regrouping around Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills; that Marte is on the verge of collapse; and that the window for action is closing. These are facts. And it is not enough to acknowledge them; we must respond with urgency and sincerity.
“We cannot afford to continue this culture of delayed response and distant governance. Our security forces need reinforcements. Our displaced citizens need protection, not promises. And our leaders, particularly at the federal level, must show the will to act swiftly and consistently.”
Therefore, he called on the Federal Government to act decisively, adding that “If we fail to protect Borno, we fail the idea of Nigeria itself.
“This is not about politics. It is about people. It is about protecting the soul of our nation. Let us act quickly, decisively, and justly,” he concluded.
