100 days in office: A letter to people of Borno State
In the past months, certain events arising from ideological and sundry differences had tended to polarize us, posing serious threats to our acclaimed disposition as the bastion of peace and tranquility in Nigeria. Kashim’s mandate came at this very precarious stage of our development as a state, but, I am confident that we are capable […]
In the past months, certain events arising from ideological and sundry differences had tended to polarize us, posing serious threats to our acclaimed disposition as the bastion of peace and tranquility in Nigeria. Kashim’s mandate came at this very precarious stage of our development as a state, but, I am confident that we are capable of resolving our own differences as brothers and sisters, as we did during the election of Kashim Shettima without undue external manipulations. You will agree with me that we could not have made a better choice, given the pragmatic steps the new helmsman has taken to reposition Borno State. I must commend you, that despite all attempts to stir up your minds, you kept faith with the mandate you gave, by supporting the government.
Kashim Shettima, while accepting to be the pilot of the new beginning, pledged to lead Borno State to the Promised Land; a land of peace and brotherhood, a land of prosperity and development. Those of us who accepted to partner with him in this endeavor, did so with a renewed vigour and dedication to the will and welfare of our people, and in the honest resolve to render selfless service to our fatherland. We are aware of the very high expectations from our people, and are working hard to deliver on our promises. We have no illusions about the challenges we face emerging from the security challenges we encountered over the months. Rather, we have the duty to take up the torch and illuminate the way for our people to modern life of self fulfillment, and to banish darkness, ignorance, disease, illiteracy and poverty out of their lives.
My dear people of Borno state, any time I hear the sound of explosions or the news of killings or the unholy sound of riffles, I look back with nostalgia at the good old days when people looked up to us in Borno state as people who love each other, peaceful and who educate others on religious values. I feel sad today that, from that seat of love and accommodation in our hearts flow hate and anger at each other for no just causes. I am often angered when others look me up and make derogatory conclusions about my conducts, because of my state of belonging.
No matter what the outside world may label us, we should remain proud of ourselves, resolved to prove others wrong who create the impression that Borno is a war zone and a no-go-area for other fellow Nigerians. I know that worst crisis have occurred in other parts of Nigeria and Borno has never made attempts to evacuate its citizens. We also know that crisis of lesser magnitude have occurred in other places and the federal government had taken more than a passing interest in them, attracting the visit of Mr. President. But our spirits should remain high in the hope that this is a temporary eclipse, which will soon give way. Let us keep hopes alive that one day our leaders will find it worthy to visit us and rekindle our confidence in ourselves.
For months, you have yearned for peace, realizing that peace is a groundswell for development. It is gratifying to note that we are gradually getting to the point where we can go to sleep with our two eyes closed. My dear compatriots, I have a dream, that someday, our streets shall be safe for all manner of people, irrespective of tribe or religion, class or creed. I sincerely pray that God will touch our hearts all, so that we give peace a chance. As we mark a hundred days in office of this nascent regime, may love for each other, forgiveness of each other, and the fear of God rule our hearts.
Bwala is the Commissioner for Information, Borno State