Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum has revealed that he rejected Vice President’s offer to complete the good work he has started in the state.
Speaking after he emerged the winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries Zulum thanked the delegates who elected him to run for the second term after rejecting the offer for him to become vice president.
The governor urged members of the party to work together to ensure its victory in the forthcoming general elections in the state.
“I concluded that while a chance to become Vice President could benefit my profile as an individual, becoming reelected as Governor of Borno State has the potential of more overall and more assurance of benefit to the good people of Borno State”.
“I, therefore, say that while I thank those who may be considering me for the position of VP, I prefer to stay back and work drastically for the people of Borno State because for me as a citizen of Borno State, working with others to hastily rebuild Borno State is the most urgent need and it is beyond any aspiration.
“As you all know, the APC will be holding presidential primaries coming weekend”.
“I have seen all kinds of promotional media content, including articles by notable columnists, associating me with the 2023 presidency”.
“Let me reveal with apologies, that some close associates of key presidential aspirants have sent me offers for the position of running mate, as possible Vice President, depending on the outcome of the APC presidential primaries by the weekend”.
“I have thought deeply about these offers because becoming Vice President is considered attractive. I have thought about all the powers and privileges of being VP. I can see the honour of presiding over
meetings attended by Governors and ministers and the privilege of having a presidential Jet at one’s disposal. I can see the honour of presidential receptions within and outside Nigeria”.
“However, I have asked myself, that should I get the opportunity to become VP and raise my political profile, what happens to all our ongoing works for the people of Borno State?”
“We have built more than 10, 000 houses and currently more of such and reconstructing existing ones, for ongoing resettlement of our people. We have resettled more than 20 communities so far”.
“Yet, thousands of our fellow citizens are still homeless and in desperate need of food, water, and healthcare”.