Borno: Kadafur at the Helm of Deputizing

Borno state was formed in 1976 from the split of the North-Eastern State. It is the homeland of the Kanuri people in Nigeria. From the South to the North and to the Central, the Kanem Borno Empire is bounded by freedom and individual liberty.

On May 29, 2019, a Professor of Irrigation Engineering Babagana Umara Zulum was administered the oath of office as the 7^th civilian Governor of Borno State alongside his Deputy, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur as the 8^th democratically elected Deputy Governor.

It is in the heart of all citizens of Borno that they didn’t just made the journey possible for the duo, but they believe in what the state can be – a wind of change turning into a social revolution. The people of Borno believe in peace over war and choose hope over despair.

Mr. kadafur, who is motivated by a single, simple and powerful idea, that is to play a part in building a greater Borno, a state that is essentially an agrarian society, is now at the helm of deputizing the affairs of the state.

Umar Usman Kadafur is a Nigerian politician and the 8^th Deputy Governor of Borno state from Biu L.G. He is 42 years of age. He had his early education at Mbulamel primary school, Biu. Later, proceeded to Government Science Secondary School, Monguno to obtain his Secondary School Leaving Certificate. Thus, his active involvement with the problem of his society blended with his higher education in Public Administration to produce an effective leader in him.

Mr. Kadafur political experience started when he contested for the position of Chairman, Biu L.G. and won the election. Thereafter, he was appointed as Caretaker Chairman in 2015 and re-appointed in 2018 by the administration of Kashim Shettima, a position he retained until he was elected as Deputy Governor of Borno State in March 2019.

Indeed, history has proven it right throughout the evolution of mankind, that revolutionary elements can deliver themselves much more a whole nation. Nothing more and nothing less.  Mr. Kadafur is an efficient leader who leads by courage and not trying to instill fear in the hearts of followers with his authority. If a leader is a real leader, he will have no need to advertise that fact, except his conduct, his sympathy, understanding, fairness and a demonstration that he knows the job.

Deputizing in Nigerian politics is quite interesting and come with enormous challenges. Throughout history, Borno State stands out by establishing a pattern of accord between a governor and his deputy. It is now a “new dawn” of tacit, fidelity, trust, loyalty and support by Mr. Kadafur to his principal which will eventually evolve into a surprisingly close friendship unlike any between a governor and his deputy in modern times. There is only “One captain in a ship” but one thing is certain: whatever is done by any government, it is done collectively by a team. Although, government will play a crucial role in bringing about the changes we need, each of us in our lives, will have to accept responsibilities and sharing some major sacrifice.

It is my humble believe that Mr. Kadafur will discharge himself as the best Deputy Governor Borno ever had.

Salman Garba Jidda, a corps member writes from jalingo, Taraba State.