Deji Adeyanju, a human rights activist and lawyer, has strongly condemned the actions of Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, against opposition party candidate, Hon Attom Magira. Adeyanju alleges that Zulum’s vendetta against Attom began when the latter’s support group sponsored a billboard calling for merger and unity in Borno State.
This harmless act, Adeyanju argues, is not a crime warranting arrest, detention, or demolition of Attom’s source of income.Adeyanju claims that Governor Zulum’s actions constitute a naked abuse of power.
The governor allegedly destroyed the billboard, arrested Attom, and detained him for nine days, violating his fundamental human rights. Attom was subsequently charged to court on what Adeyanju describes as bogus charges. Furthermore, Adeyanju states that Zulum ordered the demolition of a plaza belonging to Attom, despite the fact that the latter had obtained all necessary permits and approvals from the Borno State Urban Planning and Development Board (BOSUPDB).
Adeyanju’s statement highlights the perceived political motivations behind Governor Zulum’s actions. He notes that during the construction phase of the plaza, no indication was given by BOSUPDB of any breach of town planning rules.
It was only after the completion of the building, and amidst ongoing political differences between the governor and Attom, that Zulum took these actions. Adeyanju’s condemnation of Zulum’s actions underscores concerns about the protection of human rights and the rule of law in Borno State ¹.
