GOVERNOR Kashim Shettima of Borno State has appealed to the N-Power governing body to consider giving 10,000 extra slots to his state in light of the huge needs for the Boko Haram-hit state to recover from the devastating effects of various acts of terrorism carried out in the state over the years. He also appealed that Yobe and Adamawa states should get special consideration.

Praising the visiting N-Power implementation and monitoring team for “standing the test of time despite misgivings and mischief makings,” Shettima explained to the team that while some other states were now jostling to be recognised as the ‘worst hit state by Boko Haram’, statistics by the World Bank and other agencies had shown that Borno accounted for $5.6 billion of the total $9.5 billion lost to the drawn out battle against terrorism in Nigeria.

Citing examples of Chibok, Bama and Gwoza, where the Emir and some of his children were killed, the Governor said: “If you want to assist us or add value, cover every part of the state because no part hasn’t been unaffected.…  We need your support and we would continue to partner with you.”

Shettima added that his state would be open to any idea or initiative that would advance the welfare of Borno citizens without discrimination for ethnic group or religion.  This, he said, was reflected in the appointment of people in his team. “What we emphasise is equity, justice and fair play…any Nigerian resident in Borno has every right to call himself a son of Borno… It doesn’t matter where you’re from. What matters is your capacity, passion and aggression to add value.”

The governor further pleaded for everyone, without recourse to ethnic or religious prejudice, to focus on reviving Nigeria, the ‘sleeping giant of Africa’, to take its pivotal role in global affairs.

“We are wearing white, but most of us, our hearts are black and religion has become a body of ritual devoid of any capital value. More harm has been done in the name of God than in any other name…

“The worst is over and we are ready for development. We are one nation with a common destiny,” he said.

—  May 8, 2017 @ 17:50 GMT