Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri
Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state has pledged not to award new contracts that prevents incoming administration from being “trapped and disrespected,” while implementing the terms of contracts. Shettima made the pledges, while meeting with Chief Executive Officers (CEO) of manufactures of medical equipment and teaching aids at Chanakyapuri hotel, New Delhi, India. In a statement emailed on Friday to journalist in Maiduguri, Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mallam Isa Gusau said the Governor will not award new contracts that will extend beyond his tenure, May 29, 2019. “Going into any long term contract agreements; could amount to trapping and assuming the powers of the incoming Governor-elect, Professor Babagana Umara,” he said. He said the Indian companies are to be awarded contracts for multi-sectoral supplies and execute of projects in the education, health and vocational skills acquisition sectors and complete in six months. “I do not intend to award any contract or enter into any new agreements that will extend my remaining two months in office. I am leaving office God’s willing on May 29, 2019,” said the Governor. According to him, entering a new contract that cannot be completed in two months; will amount to disrespect and even trap the Governor-elect, Prof. Umara. He said that part of his resolutions, was there can’t be two captains to a ship, assuring that he will not trap his successor with any of the firms in India. He said he wants Prof. Umara to make his own decisions because he is the one that will work with any supplier or contractor for anything he signs. His words: “I am here to give executive orders when my commissioner of health who is a Consultant Physician and an Administrator of hospitals, identifies light weight medical equipment that is the things we needed. “We have taken delivery of many high tech and bigger size medical equipment and we dealt directly with the manufacturers to negotiate good discounts for the state. “These equipment are already installed and being put to use. However, there is many other light weight equipment for diagnosis that we needed. “Dr. Kwayabura knows them. I decided to come with him since him alone; can’t give Executive Orders. He would keep referring to me if I don’t come and that will create delays.” He therefore; suggested that any company looking for new imports, after his tenure should wait for the incoming governor. Shettima insisted that no off-shore contractors would be imposed on the incoming administration of Umara. At a meeting with IL and FS Education firms; which developed and installed hundreds of customized digital teaching aides for basic schools in Borno; and training of teachers in India, Shettima told company’s Vice President, Dr. Milan Sharma that he prefers the firm to await for the Governor-elect. He said this will enable Umara; make his own decision on whether his administration re-engages them in the installations of teaching aids. “I have the deepest respect for your company. You took risk to spend one week at that time in Maiduguri, you risked your life and the digital teaching aids are very efficient,” he noted. Continuing, he explained: “The training you gave our teachers here in India was excellent. However, giving you any new contract for supplies will definitely extend my tenure for you to manufacture the equipment since we customize them to our syllabus,” insisting that he don’t want goes into anything after his tenures.
