Borno Governor Expresses Concern Over Suspicious and Unfair Relocation of Railway Coaches
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has voiced his suspicions regarding the relocation of railway coaches from Borno to other parts of Nigeria.
The governor expressed that the process was carried out in an unfair manner, with the State Government being left uninformed until local residents intercepted the movement of the coaches.
During his visit to the railway terminus in Maiduguri, Governor Zulum revealed that the State Government is determined to employ all legal means to ensure that infrastructure designated for Borno remains within the state’s borders.
The situation unfolded when some individuals, claiming to be employees of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, attempted to transport railway infrastructure, including coaches and rolling stock, to other regions. This incident occurred after a similar occurrence approximately five months ago, which went unnoticed by security operatives and the Borno State Government.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation asserted that the rolling stock was being relocated to Jos for comprehensive maintenance before being dispatched to other locations. Governor Zulum criticized the Corporation’s handling of the decision to relocate these vital rail assets.
Governor Zulum made a resolute statement, declaring that no rail infrastructure in Borno State would be moved without adhering to the rule of law. He urged the local community to remain calm and refrain from taking matters into their own hands, assuring that these infrastructures would remain in Borno.
Furthermore, the governor highlighted recent developments indicating that the management of the railway system was removed from the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government. He emphasized that Borno State would explore potential partnerships with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to ensure the proper utilization of railway infrastructure within the state.