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Boko Haram: Shettima declares insecurity worsening in Borno

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6 years ago

January 2, 2019

Olu Emmanuel

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Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State at the end 2018 declared that security situation worsening in Borno State.

The governor summoned an extraordinary security meeting in response to rising tension in the state, essentially, the wave of successful coordinated attacks and capture of territories, including military formations, by Boko Haram guerilla fighters in the North East. The tension was increasing with the influx of people – men, women and children into Maiduguri. The governor was also worried by reports of many war victims dying on the way while escaping from the war zones.

Shettima at the meeting which included security agencies, traditional rulers, and legal practitioners held at the multipurpose hall of Government House, Maiduguri, explained why he is refrained from blaming President Muhammadu Buhari on poor handling of the Boko Haram crisis like he did against former President Goodluck Jonathan.

“Unlike in previous years when I was treated as an enemy of the Presidency, I have from 2015 to date, gained unfettered access to the President,” Shettima stated.

Journalists were told to leave the meeting while others went for closed-door deliberations. Shettima appealed that the meeting was not convened to pass blames or to pass any kind of verdict on the security agencies. He was of the view that it is most inhuman to condemn those who are putting their lives on the line and giving their lives in efforts to find peace. ‎

“We are principally here as a family, as a people all affected by the situation in Borno State, to discuss suggestions that will hopefully contribute to combined ongoing efforts towards addressing the problem,” the Governor declared.

The governor also acknowledged: “The realities, Your Royal Highnesses, invited participants, is that while so much was achieved by our gallant military men and women, we are today faced with serious challenges in Borno State.”

He asked for continued support for the military, the police, the DSS, Civilian JTF, all para-military agencies and political authorities at the federal level, to end the Boko Haram insurgency.

Shettima sad that President Muhammadu Buhari is devoted to the fight against Boko Haram; adding: “I believe that the service chiefs, the IGP, the DG of DSS and heads of all para-military agencies share the commitment of Mr. President.”

The Governor also said: “Some persons have asked why I have not criticised the Buhari government or the Nigerian military over situations in Borno. My response to them is that unlike in previous years when I was treated as an enemy of the Presidency, I have from 2015 to date, gained unfettered access to the President.”

He said that the mandate of the meeting was to chart a new course and to also rebuild public confidence; reiterating that the meeting should not be driven by emotions.

“We should speak with logic. We should see all of here as stakeholders with genuine interest in the peace and security of Borno. We should speak with mutual respect and with trust in the sincerity of each other. Our focus should largely be about finding solutions. We all know the situation of things. Let us as a family with equal stakes, suggest solutions that will insha’Allah, contribute to addressing our problems,” Shettinna declared.

The Governor said they were not issuing a communiqué after the closed-door-deliberations, declaring: “Whatever we resolve will be transmitted to the President, Commander-In-Chief, in writing and not for public consumption.”