Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno on Sunday in Maiduguri identified a lack of commitment to good governance by leaders and followers as another form of corruption afflicting Nigeria.
The governor dwelt on the negative impacts of corruption and said Nigeria would not get things right so long as corruption thrived.
“One of the major problems in Nigeria is lack of obedience to rules and regulations,” said Mr Zulum. “We will never get it right until we follow the rules and regulations.”
He spoke at the close of the 10th annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture. Born on June 12, 1910, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, was killed in Nigeria’s first military coup d’etat of January 15, 1966.
Mr Zulum noted that leaders and followers must collectively own the fight against corruption by abiding by rules and regulations of doing things.
The governor said hope was not lost if Nigerians renewed their commitments in line with the theme of the lecture: “Creating pathways for peace: Tackling banditry and insurgency through good governance for sustainable development.’’
He said his administration’s commitment to good governance by focusing on security, executing vital projects in various sectors, and fulfilling campaign promises strengthened the resilience of the citizenry.
“These developments demonstrated our achievements through good governance and understanding of our multifaceted approach to curb banditry and insurgency.
“Security situation in Borno has consequently improved by 95 per cent, and by the grace of God, before the end of my administration, Borno will be rid of insurgency,’’ Mr Zulum said.
The highlight of the event, attended by some northern governors, was the presentation of lifetime achievement awards to deserving personalities and the handing over of the symbolic flag of the next host to Bauchi State.
(NAN)