By Sam Kayode
Governor Babagana Zulum has asked the people of Borno State to forgive him and his team for any form of mistakes they may have committed against them during the first term.
He asked for forgiveness while delivering his acceptance speech before a mammoth crowd in the Government House, Maiduguri, Monday evening.
To him, for any one of them that has been maligned or injured in any way in the cause of the first term in office he takes responsibility for the lapses and assures that their pains will be erased as he enters the second term.
He called on the people to extend a hand of fellowship to them to work together to build the state as a team instead of staying in their respective party camps.
The Governor thanked the leadership of the party for the good job done in ensuring that his party the All Progressive Congress (APC) earned a second term in office.
“Let me assure the people of the State that we shall work for Borno regardless of religion or tribe so that everyone will benefit from the dividends of democracy.
“My greatest joy in this just concluded general elections is that no life was lost across the state due to violence. That to me is a great achievement. And this is why I want to use this opportunity to congratulate the entire people of the state on the conclusion of the election.
“I equally wish to use this opportunity to congratulate the 28 members of the APC who made it to the State House of Assembly and the State Executive of the party for a job well done.
“I am aware of those who abandoned their homes solving party problems of the general elections which started in Feb 25 and ending today with my declaration. In the same vein, some people worked against the party and we have taken special note of them.
“Let me assure you that the victory will not make us arrogant or take you for granted. Your powers have been strengthened by the introductions of the BVAS in the election which worked wonders.
“We made many mistakes because there are things we did wrongly so please forgive us. We know the mistakes we made and we shall address most of them in this second mandate.
“We have so much to do on security and internally displaced people (IDPs). We shall ensure that Borno is better than before. We shall equally strengthen the civil service by ensuring further growth.” the governor said.
Professor Zulum told the crowd which include party leaders and stake holders that they do not have the luxury of time to waste adding that the realistic needs of every community will be identified and treated accordingly.
On celebration of his victory, the Governor called on supporters in the entire state to celebrate modestly so that the victory will be savoured by all.
Professor Zulum noted that it takes courage to come out to contest which is why he gave special tribute to all those who contested in the just concluded general election.
