The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has stated that any further attempt made by an individual or group to move the railway coaches or any other railway facilities from Borno to any other part of the country will be thwarted by the state government.
Zulum stated this during an inspection of the railway terminus in Maiduguri where security operatives allegedly foiled an attempt by some people claiming to be staff of the Nigerian Railway Corporation to move the railway infrastructures, including coaches and rolling stocks, from the state
The governor said whatever infrastructure brought to the state is meant for the development of Borno and will not be allowed to be taken away.
During the inspection, Zulum noted that the state government will do everything within the legal means to ensure that all attempts to take away railway infrastructures from the state will be repelled by the government.
According to him, the recent attempt to relocate railway coaches from Borno to other parts of Nigeria was done suspiciously and unfairly, adding that his government was not informed until residents intercepted the movement of the coaches.
“About 5 months ago some of the rolling stocks were conveyed to other states of the federation without the knowledge of the security operatives and Borno State Government, Zulum said.
“This time around the community raised alarm when they saw the movement of these rolling stocks from Maiduguri to other parts of the country.
“When we contacted the management of Nigerian Railway Corporation, they said the rolling stocks would be moved to Jos for a complete overhaul and be dispatched elsewhere,” he added.
According to the governor, the decision to relocate the rail infrastructures was crudely pursued by the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
“On this note, I want to announce that nobody will move out of any of the rail infrastructures here in Borno State without recourse to the rule of law. I urge you (members of the community) to remain calm and not to take laws into your hands.
” I want to, once again, note that these infrastructures will not be moved anywhere, insha’Allah. Borno is one of the states in Nigeria and we have equal rights” Zulum said.
