SALLAH: Gov Shettima empathizes with Borno Citizens Text of Governor Kashim Shettimas remark today after the Eid prayers when he hosted some citizens of the State: While we were driving from the Government House to the Eid ground earlier, I was highly traumatized on seeing our parents, Uncles, wives, daughters, sons and younger brothers and sisters trekking under the scotching sun in an attempt to observe a very important spiritual rite which is the Eid prayers. These people have committed no crime at all order than trooping out as devoted Muslims seeking the favors of Allah. At some point, I was even contemplating whether we should drop from the vehicle convoy to walk with these innocent sons and daughters of Borno who were going through pains on a day they should be excited. My security details would simply not let me walk based on their own professional decisions that I have no power to question. As we approached the Eid ground, I noticed that churches were closed which denied christian worshippers as well from practicing their religious riites. The security agencies took the painful decision of keeping vehicles off the road in order to safeguard the lives of the innocent citizens who are always the major victims of Boko Haram attacks. The security agencies want to answer that In Sha Allah, no live is lost throughout this Sallah festival and beyond it. It is our greatest hope that no innocent live is ever lost again under man made courses. I want to empathize with the people of Borno state for the pains they have had to go through during this Sallah celebration. I empathize with Muslims and Christians whose rights to freely and comfortably drive to their places of worship were curtailed in the overall interest of their individual safety and that of the State. I am very much aware that there are those of our citizens who only get what to feed themselves and their families after going out everyday either as traders, transporters or artisans, I know that the restriction of vehicle movement would greatly impede on their source of livelihood. But we all have to be alive before we can do anything at all. The decision was a painful one for them as it is for me as a leader. I share the pains of everyone in the state. As we celebrate this Sallah, there are many of our parents, brothers and Sisters who have lost their homes owing to attacks inspired by the Boko Haram. Many of them have become refugees in different camps here in Maiduguri, Biu, Askira/Uba and host of other places. Our brothers and sisters have been sacked in Damboa, Marte, Askira/Uba and many other areas. We will stand by our people no matter tthe situation. We should pour not just our heart to these innocent sons and daughter of Borno, but we should extent our material support to them as the Government is already doing and will continue to do. I am aware that some individuals have offered personal support, this is very commendable. We are very much committed to search for peace. We are actively and passionately collaborating with all stakeholder to share effort and resources toward fining an end to the Boko Haram insurgency. I thank our security agencies for their proactive efforts despite the pains we have to goo through. I very much commend our youth volunteers under the civilian JTF for their sacrifices, discipline and commitment. We all saw how they cordon the Eid ground. I thank the good people of Borno State for their tremendous support to this administration and insha Allah we will not let them down. We are working round the clock, we will reclaim peace by Allahs will. Barka da Sallah.
Posted on: Sun, 27 Jul 2014 12:29:10 +0000
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