By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has urged management of the Federal Government’s N-Power project to consider allotting extra 10,000 slots to the state.
Explaining the reason for this, Mr Shettima said the devastating effects of various acts of terrorism carried out in the state over the years by members of Boko Haram made it necessary to give Borno State a special attention in order to make it recover faster.
He also solicited same consideration for Yobe and Adamawa State, the two other worst hit states in the north east region.
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.”
He praised the N-Power implementation and monitoring team for “standing the test of time despite misgivings and mischief makings.”
Mr Shettima, while receiving the N-Power implementation and monitoring team, explained that while some other states were now jostling to be recognized as the ‘worst hit state by Book Haram’, statistics by the World Bank and other agencies have shown that Borno accounts for $5.6 billion of the total $9.5 billion lost to the drawn out battle against terrorism in Nigeria.
Governor Shettima said his state was open to any idea or initiative that advances the welfare of Borno citizens without discrimination for ethnic group or religion.
This, he said, reflects in the appointment of people in his team. “What we emphasize 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 urged 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.
Adedapo Adesanya