Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state has pledged not to “interfere and impose” a candidate at the forthcoming All Progressive Congress (APC) gubernatorial primaries slated for September in Maiduguri. The Governor made the pledges on Tuesday in at Sallah celebration buffet held at Government House, Maiduguri. According to him, it is God that gives power to whom He desires to lead the people of Borno state. While thanking the people for the “solidarity and support” given to him in the last seven years, Shettima promised not to impose or interfere with the forthcoming APC gubernatorial primaries in the state He warned politicians, who allegedly looted state’s treasury to owned four private jets, before joining the ruling party recently in Borno to dictate or impose a successor for him in next year’s gubernatorial elections. He however; expressed happiness with the people of the state; who trooped out peacefully to celebrate the Eid el-Kabir festivity. He said in the last seven years, the state government; was able to overcome challenges of Boko Haram insurgency, which led to the degrading of terrorists. His words: “We’re currently rebuilding the destroyed communities and schools, with the provision of social amenities and restoration of the dignity of people, particularly the over 1.5 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). “These make me to be happy and thankful to Al-mighty God; who have given us this golden opportunity to celebrate Sallah at Government House, Maiduguri. “Even though this could be my last time to host you as the Executive Governor at the seat of Government; my tenure elapses on Wednesday, May 29, 2019. He also appealed to all who he has offended to forgive him. “To some of our colleagues who are planting some seeds of discord to create disunity among us in APC because of who may emerge as my successor, will definitely fail in their mission,” he said, stating that it is only God who gives power to whom he desires.” Shettima also warned: “For some of us who have converted themselves become insurgency politicians, they will be definitely disappointed by God’s willing. “Where were the insurgency politicians when we were battling with Boko Haram insurgents?” he asked. He said since 2013; most of the politicians relocated from Borno state to Abuja and other safer cities and towns, warning that “insurgency politicians” will not be tolerated, as peace gradually returns. He said the runaway insurgency politicians return to Borno to cause disaffection among the people. “I’ll not in any way as Governor interfere with the upcoming governorship primaries of our great party,” Shettima assured. He said as several aspirants will contest the Governorship election next year, only one candidate will emerge winner at the gubernatorial primaries. “Whoever emerges as candidate, we will definitely support the person to come out victorious to continue from where I will stop,” he said. In a related development, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Garbai Al Amin El-Kanemi, paid a Sallah visit to the Governor and thanked him for his support of traditional institutions and emirs He appealed to the Federal and State Governments to consider rebuild of Maiduguri-Cross Kauwa and Dikwa-Ngala-Rann-Malam Fatori roads. He said the three roads had been in a deplorable condition for over two decades. Shettima thanked the monarch for the visit. He also solicited for a advice and prayers at all times. He assured that N1 billion has been released for the immediate construction of Ngala-Kala/Balge border road with Cameroon. He noted that the Cross Kauwa- Malam Fatori road will be difficult to commence construction, because of the ongoing military operations in Abadam and Marte councils.
