Isaac Balami, the Founding Chancellor of Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM), has condoled with the people of Borno State and the state governor, Babagana Zulum, over the tragic loss of 23 residents in multiple bomb blasts that occurred in the state on Monday.
Balami also sympathised with those injured in the explosions, lamenting that citizens going about their normal businesses had become victims of terrorism.
While also sympathizing with President Bola Tinubu, Balami said the latest incident should not weaken his efforts toward eliminating insurgency nationwide.
In a statement he personally signed, the Chief Executive Officer of 7Star Global Hangar and former president of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) said he was devastated by the incident and described Governor Zulum as the “chief mourner.”
According to him, “Going by the personality of Governor Zulum, whom I know very well, one can only imagine how deeply troubled he is right now having lost citizens of the state to some dare-devil insurgents.
“I wish to condole with him and to encourage him to remain undeterred. Borno people and indeed Nigerians have seen his efforts since he emerged as the state governor.
“Governor Zulum has consistently and doggedly worked with the federal forces and President Tinubu to reduce insurgency in the state. For quite some time, relative peace returned to the state. The recent resurgence of attacks should be seen as the last kick of a dying horse, hence I charge our dear governor not to be deterred as the days of the insurgents are numbered,” Balami said.
Commending the governor’s efforts, Balami added: “Our people are not oblivious of your antecedents in this regard. Most times, you fearlessly go to the enemy’s front to see things first hand. This shows leadership and commitment to governance.
“We are optimistic that, in the end, it shall be victory for all of us and your sacrifice for the state will eventually yield massive results.”
Condoling with Borno residents and families of those affected by the blasts, the former spokesman of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) said: “In this trying time, we must form a formidable front against these insurgents regardless of our religion and tribe.
“We must ensure that nothing comes in between our unity so that we can stand against our common enemies. The time for discordant tones is gone. It is high time we realised that these insurgents have no respect for any religion.”
Reflecting on the past, Balami recalled how Maiduguri, an ancient city, was once among the most peaceful in the country. He also noted that the University of Maiduguri had long been regarded as a centre of academic excellence.
He expressed optimism that with Governor Zulum’s commitment and continued support for security forces, the state would reclaim its former glory.
Balami also urged Borno indigenes to support the government by providing useful intelligence, stressing that security should not be left solely to the authorities.
“Security is everybody’s business; hence we must keep our ears to the ground and support our security forces with credible intelligence,” he said.
Balami concluded by describing the attacks on soft targets as cowardly, saying the actions of the insurgents reflect a disturbing level of cruelty.
