Resilient Leadership in Trying Times: Zulum Must Stay the Course

By Aliyu Mohammed Tong 

Leadership is rarely defined in moments of peace and prosperity; it is tested in adversity. For Borno State, the last decade has been a trial of survival. The Boko Haram insurgency brought destruction, displacement, and despair, leaving development indices at alarming levels. When Professor Babagana Umara Zulum assumed office as Governor on May 29, 2019, the state stood on the edge of collapse.

Six years on, Governor Zulum has demonstrated what many thought impossible resilience, focus, and results. From his first days in office, he made bold choices: responding to humanitarian crises, restoring education, rebuilding infrastructure, and introducing stabilization measures to restore confidence. His style of leadership is simple, direct, and people-centered earned him trust far beyond political lines.

Today, the impact is visible. Displaced communities are gradually returning to their homes. Schools and health facilities are reopening. Roads are being reconstructed, agriculture revived, and hope restored. International partners now point to Borno not only as a symbol of crisis but increasingly as an example of recovery.

But with progress comes resistance. Governor Zulum’s achievements have unsettled many who thrived in chaos or relied on patronage without accountability. Some feel threatened by his effectiveness; others, whose weaknesses have been exposed, now seek to undermine him. Opposition, therefore, is not confined to political rivals outside his party it also comes from within. These are voices of distraction, not of progress.

This is where resilience must prevail. Governor Zulum must not allow detractors to derail the mission. The people of Borno have already seen the fruits of his sacrifice. What remains is to consolidate these gains and ensure that when his tenure ends, a solid succession plan is in place to secure continuity.

For citizens and stakeholders, the responsibility is equally clear: stand by the Governor. Protect the legacy of progress already achieved. Reject those who trade in negativity, and support policies that put people above politics. Borno cannot afford to slide back into uncertainty because of the ambitions of a few.

As the old wisdom says, “The tree that bears fruit will always attract stones.” The stones being thrown at Governor Zulum are proof that his leadership is producing results. They are not reasons to retreat they are reminders to stay the course.

Borno’s story is one of resilience. Its leader today embodies that spirit. And if resilience continues to guide governance, then the Zulum years will be remembered not just as a period of survival, but as the dawn of true recovery.