Borno State government has denied appointing the Head Teacher of the Government Secondary School (GSS), Chibok, Mrs. Asabe Kwambura, as a commissioner-nominee.
It described the report as “a mischievous joke”.
The denial is coming on the heels of reports in the social media that Governor Kashim Shettima has forwarded Mrs. Kwambura’s name to the House of Assembly for screening.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Isa Gusau, said: “In the last one week, we have noticed a very strange information being circulated by some online media platforms, claiming that Governor Shettima has nominated Mrs. Kwambura as commissioner for Education.
“We ignored the story for what it was, a mischievous joke and a cheap blackmail that didn’t deserve any response, as it was mainly ‘trending’ on the social media.
“However, we noticed and most unfortunately, that in recent days, some otherwise respected FM stations reported such a joke without even making the slightest attempt to cross-check with the officials of the Borno State government, or at least, find out from the media houses that have correspondents resident in the state, who are in a position to have accurate information about the activities of Governor Shettima and happenings in the state.
“To start with, neither a president nor a governor nominates anyone as minister or commissioner for a particular ministry. The usual practice is to nominate someone as minister or commissioner-designate for screening by lawmakers and it is only after nominees are approved by lawmakers and administered oaths of offices and allegiance that they are allocated ministries.
“In government procedures across Nigeria, only special advisers, heads of federal or state government establishments, commissioners in commissions and certain chief executives are announced by a president or governor, stating their responsibilities at the time of their nomination for screening by lawmakers or in some cases, they are sworn-in without lawmakers’ screening, depending on constitutional requirements.”