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Shettima: Ex-Borno Gov Who Wept Over Boko Haram Invasion

Published

3 years ago

July 10, 2022

A former governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima has been announced as running mate to the standard flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The PUNCH reports that Shettima was announced on Sunday, July 10, 2022 following the announcement of the withdrawal of the placeholder for the position of running mate of the APC’s candidate, Ibrahim Masari.

However, there are controversies over the choice of Shettima as running mate to Tinubu.

Shettima, who is a banker and Muslim from the terrorist-ravaged Borno, will join Tinubu who is a Muslim from the South West on the Presidency ticket of the ruling APC, thereby, making the APC’s ticket a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

Muslim-Muslim ticket has been described by religious organisations such as the Christian Association to Nigeria, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, among others, as a threat to national unity.

In this piece, The PUNCH highlights memorable moments of the two-term governor whose tenure witnessed the heat of Boko Haram activities in Borno.

Insecurity in Borno

On January 2, 2019, the former Borno State governor during an extraordinary security meeting to discuss the worsening security situation in his state noted that he could not criticise the president, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), the same way they criticised former president Goodluck Jonathan over the insecurity in the North East.

Shettima was an ardent critic of the administration of Goodluck Jonathan over what he tagged as the failure of the administration to secure the lives of Nigerians in the north.

“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.

“I see the Commander-In-Chief at the shortest request and I tell him my concerns, he listens to me with keen interest and in most cases, he takes measures. I have not had reason to be frustrated with the Presidency, unlike previous years,” Kashima had said at the meeting.

Shettima’s tears at Aso Villa
On Monday, January 7, 2019, The PUNCH reported how Shettima broke down in tears before Buhari in Abuja at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, urging the President to do all he could to stop the insurgents, who now attack communities at will.

The governor had gone to the Villa in company with Borno elders to meet with Buhari in order to seek further ways of addressing the resurgence in attacks by Boko Haram.

Others at the meeting were the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd.); who is also from Borno State; former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin; acting Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Abubakar; and the Director General of the Department for State Services, Yussuf Bitchi.

Three killed in Shettima’s convoy
On February 13, 2019, The PUNCH reported how three persons were killed in the convoy of Shettima, during an attack by Boko Haram insurgents.

Shettima, who was governor at the time, was travelling to Gamboru-Ngala on political campaign when his large convoy ran into an ambush between Dikwa and Gamboru.

Sources who spoke to The PUNCH said there was an exchange of gunfire and three persons believed to be party supporters who had joined his convoy on the campaign were killed.

While commenting on the matter, Shettima had said, “The Boko Haram basked 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.”

On Monday, December 14, 2020, Shettima who featured on a programme on Arise Television, shortly after the abduction of hundreds of students from a government owned secondary school in Kankara, Katsina State, cautioned Nigerians against criticising the failure of the regime of Muhammadu Buhari to tackle insecurity.

“We respect him. We cherish him. We love him. But don’t deify him because deification is [for] God. Buhari is not God. If there are things that need to be corrected, we are going to point it out to him equivocally and unambiguously, but without playing to the gallery,” he had said.

The senator said the service chiefs have done their best but “their best is no longer enough,” adding, “Justice, equity and fairness, even common sense demand that these service chiefs should go”.

He said, “There’s been some improvement in the security landscape in the state (Borno) especially in the first two years of the Buhari administration”.

PUNCH

Related Topics:#Boko Haram Borno Shettima

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Okpebholo Announces ‘Massive’ Youth Recruitment Into Edo Civil Service

Published

6 hours ago

August 13, 2025

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has announced plans to recruit youths into the state civil service.

Speaking at the All Progressives Congress campaign rally in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, ahead of the August 16, 2025, Edo Central Senatorial by-election, the governor said it’s part of his administration’s effort to combat unemployment and accelerate Edo’s development.

He expressed his passion for his people and an unwavering commitment to building a better future.

Unveiling his new civil service recruitment plan, the governor disclosed that he had instructed the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, to begin the process without delay.

“We are going to massively employ our young people,” he affirmed. “Creating opportunities for our youths is the greatest investment we can make for the future of Edo.”

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Edo Govt To Open Up Riverine Communities For Development — Deputy Gov

Published

6 hours ago

August 13, 2025

Editor

The deputy governor of Edo state, Hon Dennis Idahosa, has said that the Monday Okpebholo-led administration will open up riverine communities in the state for sustainable development.

According to a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Friday Aghedo, Idahosa stated this at Inikorogha in Ovia South West Local Government Area of the state during the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally for Saturday’s Ovia Federal Constituency by-election.

He told the gathering that the new administration led by Okpebholo is keen to see development across the nook and cranny of the state.

He said all that was needed from the people was support and for them to be patient with the nine month old government that hit the ground running immediately after inauguration.

Idahosa described the Inikorogha community as a peace loving people that had always supported him politically and otherwise.

The deputy, who was adorned by the community in their traditional regalia said, “I have always seen myself as one of your own even before your acceptance of me with this traditional attire.”

“All I need from you is massive votes in support for the APC candidate and our governor on Saturday,” he appealed.

He assured the community that the APC candidate is going to continue with the good work he put up as the representative before his election as deputy governor.

“Our candidate, Omosede Igbinedion, is not a neophyte in the business of lawmaking. The party chose her because we are sure of her capacity to deliver.”

While addressing the people, the APC candidate promised to synergise with the deputy governor to bring laudable projects to Ovia federal constituency.

Simirlarly, a chieftain of the party in the community, Ambassador Okubo Robert promised delivery of 100 percent votes for the party.

He noted that the Inikorogha community had always supported the APC in every elections, adding that Saturday’s bye-election will not be any different.

News

How Terrorist Leader, Abubakar Abba, Was arrested – Niger Govt

Published

8 hours ago

August 13, 2025

Editor

The Niger State Government has revealed how terrorist leader, Abubakar Abba, was arrested by the Department of State Service in the state.

Abba was the leader of the Mahmuda terror groups, which pitched its tent and operated in Niger and Kwara states.

He was captured in Wawa, the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

Governor Mohammed Bago’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, on Wednesday announced Abba’s arrest in a statement in which he said the terror kingpin had been moved to the nation’s capital, Abuja, for further investigation.

“Yes, it is true. I can confirm that the leader of Mahmuda, which is one of the most dangerous terror groups in West Africa, Abubakar Abba, has been arrested by the DSS.

“He was apprehended alive through an intelligence-led operation by the DSS.

“This is a huge victory for us as a people and as a government, and President Tinubu deserves commendation for this cheering news.

“Abba’s arrest demonstrates the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to truly ending insecurity and promoting the well-being of Nigerians,” Ibrahim said.

Mahmuda, an offshoot of the deadly Boko Haram terror group, was also believed to have ties with the Islamic State and was responsible for a series of attacks across Kwara and Niger states.

The terror group had reportedly launched two attacks in one day in Kwara state on June 3—first killing three villagers in the morning and then four more in the evening, and leaving the community in mourning.

Mahmuda’s foot soldiers, usually clad in camouflage and often riding on motorcycles, continued their rampage, with at least three villagers killed in a fresh assault.

This indicated the group’s sustained threat.

A recent large-scale attack in Kwara reportedly resulted in the killing of seven residents, while several others were abducted.

The terror group had also reportedly struck numerous villages near Kainji Lake National Park while a market in Kwara was also attacked, killing four Fulani men, a local guard, and a 19-year-old bystander.

Another attack killed 15 vigilantes in Kemanji village.

The Mahmuda terror group reportedly established bases in forested areas linking Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, and Kogi states.

It carried out activities including illegal mining, forced labour and extortion of herders and farmers.

Meanwhile, the Niger State governor has applauded the DSS operation as a strong demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians.