Borno State Governor, Kashim
Shettima on Sunday paid sympathy visit to Governor Ibrahim Gaidam in Yobe
State.
He came with a message meant to
strengthen his host following recent attacks on Government Girls’ Science
Technical College (GGSTC), Dapchi, headquarters of Bursari local government
area in Yobe State, where schoolgirls are suspected to have been abducted.
Shettima said during his visit
that the ‘unfortunate incident in Dapchi’ reminds him of conspiracy theories
regarding the Chibok abduction, cautioning that politicians should learn a
lesson on the need to separate politics from issues of security.
“Your Excellency (Gov. Gaidam), I
have been in your shoes since 2014 when schoolgirls were abducted in Chibok. I
know exactly how you feel. When our daughters were abducted in Chibok, only God
understood how I felt and I can imagine how you also feel, and the trauma you
are going through.
“The parents of these girls would
always look up to you with hope in the midst of agony. I know you are pained
but I also believe that insha Allah, these girls will be rescued very soon. It
is unfortunate that we have faced yet another abduction but that only reminds
us about the difficulties of fighting insurgency.
“LOftentimes, they strike where
you least expect. Before Boko Haram attacked Chibok, that Chibok had the least
threat of Boko Haram in the northeast. No one expected them to even think about
Chibok because it a mostly Christian community where Boko Haram was hardly an
issue there. If the parents thought Chibok wasn’t safe, I don’t think they
would allow their children to be there.
“Of course, as Government we wouldn’t
dare do so. In the same vein, I don’t think anyone ever expected an attack in
Dapchi. This incident however, reminds all of us not only in Borno and Yobe but
perhaps across the northern Nigeria to be on guard.
“I think the difference between
the Chibok incident and this one, is that the Federal Government didn’t react
in denial, doubt or formed a conspiracy theory.
“The Federal Government assumed
responsibility which we hope will lead to rescue of the schoolgirls.
“When schoolgirls were abducted
in Chibok, some people said there was no abduction because Borno was in the
opposition.
“Those who admitted there was
abduction, came up with a conspiracy theory that the APC leaders perpetuated it
in order to win the 2015 elections.
“Now, this abduction took place
in an APC controlled State under an APC led federal government. What this
reminds us, in very painful way, I should add, is that as political actors, we
should learn to separate politics from issues of security. Human lives are very
precious in the sight of Allah”, Shettima said.
The Governor said he was in Yobe
not only as Governor of Borno but also to represent the Northern Governors
Forum.
“I am here as Governor of a
sister State, because Borno and Yobe are like siamese twins; what affects Yobe
invariably affects Borno.
“I am also here as representative
of the Northern Governors Forum. I am used to traveling all the way to the
south to represent our forum over sensitive issues, particularly on security.
“I felt it would be an irony if I
go to far places and I don’t come to neighboring Yobe State at a time like
this. Your Excellency (Gaidam), our colleagues have mandated me to tell you
that we stand by you at this difficult time.
“We share the grief of parents
whose daughters are affected by this unfortunate incident. They are not their
daughters alone, they are our daughters as well.
“I know that Your Excellency has
been supportive of the military over the years with other security
establishments in the State. I know you are working closely with them to have
this resolved.
“This period requires us to be
stronger, more united and more focused. We should remain in prayers with a
strong hope that these girls are rescued as quickly as possible.
“We should remain in prayers that
insha Allah, insha Allah enduring Peace will return to Yobe, Borno, Adamawa,
the entire north and Nigeria. I am an eternal optimist. I see optimism in Your
Excellency every day. I believe that these trying phases shall pass,
insha’Allah. Bi iznillah, Yobe and Borno will gain lasting Peace, tranquillity
and prosperity and this, we pray and hope, will happen soon,” Shettima said.
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