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Tag: Borno State Governor

  • Shettima decries low voter turnout

    Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima, has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the governorship and state house of assembly elections but lamented the low turnout of voters in Maiduguri.

    According to the governor, the turnout of voters in the rural areas was more than what was witnessed in Maiduguri metropolis.

    Shettima has also praised the people of Ngom and Kubu Villages of Mafa local  government area for coming out en masse to vote for their son, the APC governorship candidate in the state, despite Friday’s attacks on their villages.

    He expressed confidence that his party, the APC, will emerge victorious at the polls, adding that, “Prof Zulum will In sha Allah emerge victorious and continue with the good work of building Borno, which we have started.”

    Shettima who spoke with journalists after casting his vote at Alhaji Kukawa polling unit in Jabbamari area  of Lawan Bukar Shehuri ward, Maiduguri, said, “Actually the election was impressive but  with low turnout within the state capital while outside the state capital, people impressively turned out en masse to vote for APC and their candidates.”

    He added that “Borno will soon regain its lost glory as home of peace and all the destroyed communities will soon bear a new look, as government  has planned and institutionalised machinery for the immediate reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement of all the remaining IDPs and rebuilding of basic infrastructural facilities ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgents in the remaining communities that are yet to return.”

    He said government will also release additional funds for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of schools, hospitals and roads to link most of the major communities displaced by the insurgents.

  • I’ll drive to campaign without bulletproof, Shettima dares Boko Haram

    Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima on Tuesday vowed to return to Gambaru Ngala in a non-bulletproof vehicle to campaign for his senatorial bid and re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The Boko Haram insurgents had last week carried out attacks on his convoy at Maiduguri-Gamboru road while travelling for campaigns for his senatorial bid on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The Islamic State, ISIS, which appears to be working in collaboration with the Boko Haram, claimed responsibility for the attack on the convoy.

    ISIS, in a statement, claimed that 42 people were killed in the attack on the Governor’s motorcade.

    The attack was confirmed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communications and Strategy, Malam Isa Gusau, in a statement, claiming only three persons were killed.

    But speaking to State House correspondents after a security meeting presided by President Muhammadu Buhari and attended by heads of security agencies at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Shettima said the attacks will not deter him from meeting with the people even if it would cost his life.

    He said: “Leadership requires courage. I will go back to Gamboru Ngala next week and ready to pay the supreme price if need be and I will not be going in a bulletproof car.

    “I will go in a normal car like any other members of my convoy and expose myself to all the risk that they are bearing for me to be protected.

    “But believe me, no matter how long the night is, darkness must give away to the light of the dawn. No matter how stormy the weather may well be, it won’t rain forever.

    “This madness will come to an end because it is a fight between light and darkness. It is a fight between cause and justice.”

    He added: “Be that as it may, uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. I am the chief security officer of the state, I should have the courage and believe me not that I am not petrified, no!

    “As the chief security officer of the state, the day I say I cannot go to a certain part of the state because of the insecurity, then what sort of confidence are you inspiring on the common man?

    “The Boko Haram basks in the oxygen of publicity, by attacking my convoy, by targeting my person.

    “They have gotten the much-needed boost. But then as they say if you cannot withstand the heat, get out of the kitchen.”

  • Shettima: why I was attacked

    Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima yesterday explained why Boko Haram insurgents swooped on his convoy on Tuesday, killing three civilians and a soldier.

    The governor said the attack was a mere propaganda strategy by the insurgents to attract global media attention and instill fear in citizens and troops.

    Shettima, who reacted through his Special Adviser on Media & Strategy, Isa Gusau, sympathised with those who lost their loved ones in the attack.

    The governor’s convoy was ambushed and attacked by the terrorists on his way to a political campaign rally in the northern part of the state.

    Gusau confirmed the death of three people in the incident.

    A splinter group of Boko Haram loyal to the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) has claimed responsibility for the attack.

    Reuters reported that Islamic State on Wednesday claimed responsibility for an attack on the convoy of the governor of northeastern Borno State, according to the group’s Amaqnews agency.

    “The group said at least 42 people were killed in Tuesday’s attack. Sources told Reuters the death toll was between three and 10 people, though an unknown number of others were beheaded,” the report said.

    According to Gusau, the governor has launched a probe into the circumstances that led to the incident, stressing that the attack will not dampen his commitment and confidence of troops.

    A statement by Shettima’s spokesman reads:

    “Governor Kashim Shettima mourns, with the deepest thoughts and heartfelt condolences, the demise of some fellow citizens, brothers, associates and loyal supporters following an unfortunate ambush of some vehicles in his convoy by suspected insurgents on Tuesday evening on Gamboru Road, headquarters of Ngala Local Government Area.

    “While the governor is expecting full security briefing to get accurate information on the incident, preliminary report on Wednesday, confirmed the killing of three persons during the attack, which principally aimed to attract local and global media attention in order to sustain propaganda strategy and to instill fear in citizens and gallant troops.

    “Governor Shettima, who returned at night yesterday, will today (Thursday) meet families of those affected by the attack. The governor will also meet some security heads to review the incident and, more importantly, to continue his determined collaboration with all security agencies and volunteers in remaining committed to the ongoing fight against Boko Haram.

    “The unfortunate incident will not make the governor to doubt  the capacity of the gallant and patriotic personnel of the Nigerian armed forces who have dedicated their lives fighting for peace and the freedom of Borno people.

    “The governor has absolute confidence in the armed forces and given his access to raw updates, he is aware of the successes being recorded by the armed forces despite Tuesday’s and previous attacks by the insurgents.

    “For one success recorded by the insurgents, the armed forces record dozens against them. The Governor remains optimistic and urges citizens to be calm, prayerful and supportive of the Nigerian armed forces and volunteers through means that include (as they have been doing) the sharing of useful information.

    “Tuesday’s incident happened while the Governor was on his way to Gamboru in continuation of campaigns for the presidential and national assembly elections coming up on Saturday.

    “The governor had left Maiduguri on Tuesday morning and stopped for campaigns in Mafa and Dikwa local government areas before heading to Gamboru where he passed the night and returned to Maiduguri on Wednesday. He had on Monday travelled to Damasak, headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area in northern Borno.

    “Before then, he had previously held campaigns in most parts of northern Borno, including Monguno where he spent the night. He had also been to all the nine local government areas of southern Borno, including Chibok, Gwoza, Askira-Uba and Biu, where he spent days.

    “The governor extends his deepest gratitude to friends, associates and other well-meaning Nigerians that have shown concern over the incident,” the statement said.

  • Boko Haram decimation: There is cause for celebration – Shettima

    Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima on Tuesday said that there is cause to celebrate Army Day billed for the state at the weekend.

    According to him, comparing the security situation in the state four years ago and now makes it necessary to celebrate the victories of the Federal forces against the insurgents.

    Read Also:I can make Shekau, others surrender: Ex-Boko Haram commander

    He spoke with State House correspondents at the end of a meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He said that the meeting was on the upcoming presidential visit to the state and the Army Day celebration.

    He said “Well, the ongoing insurgency problem is largely over, we might be having some hiccups but when you compared the past with the present, we have every cause to celebrate.

    “We have pockets of the insurgents in inlands around the Lake Chad and the Sambisa forest but when you juxtapose the sorry state of affairs three, four years ago and the current situation we are in, I think there is cause for celebration. There is no cause for alarm,” he stated.

  • El-Rufai receives North Igbo Leaders in Kaduna 

    El-Rufai receives North Igbo Leaders in Kaduna 

    …Assures Arewa youths’ll be arrested, prosecuted

     

    Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, on Tuesday received leaders of the Igbos resident in Northern Nigeria under the auspices of Igbo Delegate Assembly and Northern Igbo Chiefs, reassuring them that, they and their property in the region will be protected.

    This was also as the Governor assured the Igbo leaders that, no matter how long it will take, Northern youths who signed the quit notice to Igbos would be arrested and prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others.

    El-Rufai, however urged Igbo leaders to prevail on their youths against making statements and agitations capable of dividing Nigeria.

    According to El-Rufai, “Kaduna State Government is grateful to the Igbos for coming. Kaduna has suffered so many crises, so we are very sensitive to comments that incite and cause disaffection among the people. Therefore, the Northern youths behind the ultimatum will not only be arrested but will be prosecuted”.

    “Kaduna used to be a home for all, but so many crises have divided the state and the metropolis across religious lines. As a government that is why we abolish indigeneship, once you live in Kaduna you are an indigene.

    “We have arrested so many people for hate speeches and we are trying them. We are going to arrest the Arewa Youths and bring them to justice no matter how long it takes. Since the press conference was done in Kaduna.

    “If they had done it in any other place we would have just condemned them, but since it is in Kaduna we are going to arrest them no matter how long it takes.”

    “I have the mandate of the Northern Governors Forum under the chairmanship of Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, to reassure the Igbos in the 19 Northern states and Abuja that their lives and property are safe in the North”, El-Rufai said.

    On his part, President General Igbo Delegate Assembly, Chief Chikezie Nwogu, commended the Federal government and Governor El-Rufai for their swift reaction to the quit notice issued by the Northern youths.

    Chief Nwogu, who led the Igbo traditional rulers from the 19 Northern States to Kaduna on a courtesy to Governor El-Rufai, said the Igbos are ready to remain in the north.

    He said, “we are here in Kaduna to hold a meeting based on what has been happening in the North, especially with the Arewa Youths and the ultimatum given to Igbos and the agitations by IPOB. We are not here to condemn anybody. We thank the Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai and other Northern governors, traditional rulers and the Federal government for their interventions at the heat of the issue.”

    “We want the government to tackle the root cause of agitations and subsequent quit notice by Northern youths and find solution. Let us look at the problem of the Youths when there is complains, also is good to restructure in a way that will benefit everyone.”

    “We are not happy with the call for division. We want Nigeria as one so that all of us can benefit. Northern youths have been our brothers. The Igbos are not going anywhere, we will remain with our Arewa brothers in the north,” Nwogu said.

  • Boko Haram: Spare no one including my children, Shettima charges military

    Boko Haram: Spare no one including my children, Shettima charges military

    Worried by the renewed suicide attacks across the State by suspected Boko Haram terrorists, Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima has called on the military and other security agencies to go after anyone factually discovered to be supporting Boko Haram including any of his
    children.

    Kashim Shettima who spoke in a state wide broadcast on Friday morning emphatically disclosed that those who associate with Boko Haram are enemies of humanity and the state in particular, while calling on the good people of the state to support security agencies to ensuring that the insurgents are defeated head-on, while stressing that majority of Borno people are good people working against the insurgents.

    “I know that majority of you, the good people of Borno State; have remained sincerely committed to fighting this insurgency. I have met parents who exposed their insurgent biological children and handed them over to security forces to face justice. I know that insurgents
    and their allies, often hide their identity so well that good citizens may innocently associate with them.

    “But the bold patriotism of parents who turn in their children has always strengthened our resolve. This is why I strongly say to security agencies, that anyone factually suspected of despicable links with the Boko Haram and other criminals should face justice even if that person happens to be one of my three biological children. Support for insurgents is a crime against humanity. I have met parents who encouraged their children to join the Civilian JTF and risk their lives to fight insurgents.

    “I have even met parents who remained contended and proud even after their sons died fighting under the Civilian JTF. I have seen elderly men and young girls organize themselves to join the fight as vigilantes and the Civilian JTF, “Shettima said.

    Shettima who is particularly disturbed over suicide bombings in the last couple of days across the state noted that, the recent resort to cowardly suicide attacks on soft civilian targets as signs of defeats and weakness that the insurgents are exhibiting to prove to their fellow terrorists across the world that they are still not defeated.

    “‎In recent days and weeks, we have come under renewed attacks which horribly remind us, that our security challenges are still longing. It is regrettable that this upsurge in cowardly suicide attacks came not long after the patriotic military forces of this country recaptured
    Sambisa Forest which used to be the operational zone of the Boko Haram terrorists. It was from Sambisa that these mass murderers used to train, prepare and launch bold attacks on our communities.

    “Our gallant military and other security agencies have now denied them the use of their former high command. However, we must remind ourselves that the recapture of Sambisa Forest and the flushing out of the terrorists from most of their former enclaves does not mean that
    our struggle is over.

    “Instead, the terrorists have resorted in their usual cowardly fashion, to stepping up attacks on soft targets.  Cowardly and vile attacks such as these on schools, places of worship, markets and other soft targets are signs of the terrorists’ weakness and of their desperation to tell their terror co-travelers around the world, that they are not yet finished. In this criminal endeavour, they resort to the use of teenagers and children as young as seven years. More recently, they even strap babies on the back of their recruits in order to slip through our security dragnets.

    “They also use hard drugs on these innocent children who do not know what they are doing when they kill their own parents, relations, and fellow countrymen and women.  Many precious lives have been lost, hundreds of citizens including school girls were abducted; many more
    people have suffered serious injuries as a result of these senseless acts of bloodthirsty enemies of peace, he said.

    He called on the people of the state to take the security of the state in their hands by stepping up surveillance in their neighborhood and continue to remain vigilant by reporting any suspicious person to security agencies.

    ‎”Even though we are all saddened by episodes of attacks, as your Governor, I assure you that I serve with a constant reminder that the number one basis of Government is the protection of innocent lives and property.

    “I know the weight of my duties and the oath I took before you and God. With your mandate, I have the privilege of first hand security reports and I can share with you, that for every vile attack that the terrorists were able to carry out on innocent lives, many more were stopped by our gallant security agencies, our Civilian JTF, vigilantes and hunters.

    “As we know, the intention of terrorists is to demoralise us, make us to live in fear and prevent us from going about our normal lives and worshipping our God in ways that differ from their ungodly violence. We will not allow them succeed in their wish to make us live
    in the permanent slavery of fear.

    “In fact, they have failed in their mission because together, we have said no to them. And in saying NO, we must not let them cause us any more harm,” Shettima assured.

    On his part as a government, the Governor said:  “The Government of Borno State will continue to provide the necessary support to our gallant military and security agencies and volunteers in their patriotic effort to restore peace and security in our ancestral land.

    “We will continue to take preventive measures by working with community leaders across ethnic and religious divides in all our 27 local government areas to increase community policing. We all have roles to play.

    “I know the sacrifices many citizens have made and it is because of your devotion that I am urging all the people of Borno State to rise up as one and increase our community vigilance, especially around soft targets.

    “We must remobilize ourselves and step up vigilance and community policing around all our population and community centres like mosques, churches, markets, schools, hospitals, shopping complexes, football fields, social gatherings and motor parks. We must watch out for
    strange and suspicious faces, not for the purpose of taking the law into our hands but for reporting these suspicious persons to the nearest security agents for prompt action. I urge you, the good people of Borno State, not to despair but to rise as one and stand up to this
    murderous gasp of a dying insurgency,” the Governor said.

    He expressed gratitude to  international and local humanitarian agencies and development partners for supporting the people of the State while also consoling with  families whose members were either killed, abducted or injured and those who lost property expressing
    determination that Borno will bounce back stronger.

  • Photos: NESG panel on crisis, conflict managment

    Photos: NESG panel on crisis, conflict managment

    Nigerian Economic Summit Group's panel on managing crisis and conflict led by Borno Governor, Kashim Shettima
    Nigerian Economic Summit Group’s panel on managing crisis and conflict led by Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima.

     

    nesg-crisis-panel

  • Buhari receives rescued Chibok girl in Aso Rock

    Buhari receives rescued Chibok girl in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday received the rescued Chibok girl, Amina Ali, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Carrying her baby in her arms, she arrived with Borno State Governor, Kashim Shetima in black SUV around 2.45 p.m.

    She was shielded from talking to journalists as she was led to the President’s office along with other persons who came with her from Borno State.

    Only CNN, Aljazeera,VOA, Reuters and other foreign cameramen and reporters were allowed to accompany the girl and the delegation to the President’s office.

    Some State House correspondents including NTA, Channels and AIT were also allowed in. No single print reporter was allowed in.

    Amina Ali and the team were still in the President’s office at the time of filing this report.

  • Boko Haram ‘seeks talks with govt’

    Boko Haram ‘seeks talks with govt’

    [dropcap]S[/dropcap]ome Boko Haram elements are seeking dialogue with the Federal Government, the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), an independent Non-Governmental Organisation, said yesterday.

    The development—should it be genuine— will bring a ray of hope that the seeming intractable insurgency in the Northeast will stop.

    Breaking the news, the CCC confirmed that some insurgents approached it to facilitate a channel of dialogue between them and the Federal Government.

    The Centre’s Executive Secretary, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas (rtd), made the disclosure at a news conference in Abuja.

    Commodore Anas, who was the immediate spokesman for the Nigerian Air Force, also spoke on other national issues including: terrorism, cattle rustling, National Assembly crisis, pipeline vandalism, kidnapping, armed robbery and  Radio Biafra among others

    He said: “The Boko Haram challenges have continued to become an intractable crisis situation to our nation. Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima said that more than three million innocent Nigerians from Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and parts of Nigeria live in deep agony having lost their sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, relations and neighbours after brutally being attacked by members of Boko Haram.

    “Indeed, many of our citizens are now orphans, widows and forced to become refugees within and outside our country.

    “Over the years, government has been pursuing the terrorists with the aim of ending insurgency.

    “Although, some level of successes has been recorded in degrading the volatility of the terrorists, they are far from being defeated.

    “Some prominent Nigerians have in recent times canvassed the idea of dialogue with the Boko Haram.

    “The option of dialogue, according to them, at the moment provides a leeway of not only safely rescuing the abducted Chibok schoolgirls alive, but also possibly bringing to an end the orgy of violence unleashed on innocent citizens by the group.

    “Considering the unspeakable atrocities which the group has visited on Nigeria and Nigerians, this option is no doubt a hard sell. However, the recent statement by President Muhammadu Buhari on government’s readiness to negotiate with credible members of the sect has rekindled the hope for dialogue.

    “The centre views this gesture as good. It has opened a window of opportunity for dialogue for those insurgents that are willing and ready to lay down their arms.

    “This position is predicated on calls made to this centre by some members of the Boko Haram requesting for genuine and comprehensive dialogue that could lead to hundreds of them coming out to renounce their membership.

    “The centre, however, suggests that such dialogue should be done with every sense of caution and responsibility, bearing in mind the previous disappointments that attended attempts at negotiations.

    “Nevertheless, the centre will continue to support and encourage all efforts towards bringing insurgency to an end in our country.”

    The retired Air Force chief warned against the resurrection of militancy in Niger Delta by the outlawed Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND).

    He said if there were genuine grievances with the Amnesty Programme, legitimate avenues and appropriate channels should be exploited.

    His words: “The centre is equally agitated by the recent moves to resurrect the once rested Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND).

    “It was purported to have planned a meeting of its old brigade members on 25, July 2015 in Yenagoa. The arrow head of the meeting is no other person than Mr. Tompolo along with some Ijaw youth.

    “Although, Mr. Tompolo denied attempting to resurrect the rested militant group, the last may not have been heard on the issue. Nigerians will recall how this deadly group almost crippled the nation’s oil production from 2005 until when late President Umaru Yar’Adua initiated the Amnesty Programme.

    “Since the inception of the Amnesty Programme, billions of naira has been and is still being spent to address the youth challenges of the region.

    “The appointment of Brig.- Gen. Peter Boroh (rtd) will no doubt energise the programme. If there are genuine grievances with the Amnesty programme, legitimate avenues and appropriate channels should be exploited.

    “However, the full wrath of the law should be brought to bear on any individual or group that wants to engineer crisis aimed at militating against the socio-economic development of our dear nation.”

    On the herdsmen clashes with farmers, the CCC chief said it has reached an alarming proportion as ‘it always precipitates bloody clashes’ leaving scores of people dead in different parts of the country, especially in Taraba, Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, Nassarawa, Niger and other states over grazing rights.

    He said: This recurring but often violent crisis perpetrated by unknown hoodlums has continued to traumatise innocent and enterprising Nigerians engaged in cattle rearing and farming.

    “The crisis is perhaps accentuated by the economic hardship and joblessness. The Centre has received hundreds of calls from several parts of the north over this issue.

    “Instances abound where hoodlums send letters to cattle breeders especially Fulanis and farmers to pay hundreds of thousands of naira or even millions as ransom to avert attacks.”

    He praised Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai for setting up the ‘Cattle Initiative’ to curtail the excesses of cattle rustlers.

    Anas said: “The Centre is calling on governments at all levels to ensure every action aimed at finding a lasting-solution to enable the return of normalcy in every nook and crannies of our communities.

    “The Centre believes that more discussions and legislative actions at the states and National Assembly levels are needed now on the propriety or otherwise of creating or delineating grazing areas in the country.”

    On the lingering National Assembly crisis, the CCC appealed to all the contending individuals, groups or parties to ‘shield their swords’ in national interest “knowing how far-reaching and negative effect political crisis of this dimension could continue to be in inflaming passions, creating divisive tendencies, and ultimately translating in crisis.”

    He urged the legislators to emulate President Buhari and slash their remunerations to “demonstrate to Nigerians that they are also sympathetic to the current financial challenges of the nation and ready to make sacrifices to make Nigeria better.”

  • Shettima: North must unite to salvage Nigeria

    Shettima: North must unite to salvage Nigeria

    The Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, has called on the north to irrespective of their religion and ethnicity, to summon courage and come together to salvage the country, as Nigerians go into another round of election next year.

    He also said that the north has the number and was in a position to make or mar the future of this country.

    He made this call yesterday, in Kaduna, while speaking on behalf of other All Progressives Congress (APC) governors at the party’s Northern Stakeholders’ interactive meeting.

    According to the governor, the north in the best of times was the least in all indices of economic development, let alone now that insurgency is ravaging some parts of it, saying that “we are now the poorest of the earth. Poverty has no religion, it has no ethnicity, therefore, we must reach out to other parts of the country, so that by 2015, other Nigerians can join forces with us to salvage the country.

    “We must not fight over political offices within the party. We must not allow our aspirations as individuals to jeopardize our collective resolve to salvage the country. We have the number and we are in the position to make or mar the future of the generation yet unborn in this country.

    “The north is in shambles. Citizens have become refugees in their country. There is need to produce the next President from the north. But this is not without challenges, requiring vigilance and courage. There is need to bury our differences and become united to confront the challenges ahead. If we can summon courage to come together irrespective of our religious and ethnic differences, we are poised to forming the next government, come 2015.”