An appeal for Christian deputy governor in Borno

My heart was gladdened when somebody called to tell me that some Christians names were on the list of potential deputy governors in Borno State.  Should that come to pass, Governor Kashim Shettima will not only be making history, but he would have addressed the long standing yearning of Christians to be given prominent appointments […]

My heart was gladdened when somebody called to tell me that some Christians names were on the list of potential deputy governors in Borno State.  Should that come to pass, Governor Kashim Shettima will not only be making history, but he would have addressed the long standing yearning of Christians to be given prominent appointments in Borno State.
Christians constitute a huge population in Borno State. They are  concentrated in Hawul, Askira/Uba, Chibok, and are almost at 50/50 ratio in Gwoza, Biu, Kwaya/Kusar, Damboa and Maiduguri and Jere. Christians are found in virtually every part of the state in sizeable numbers. They have also been the engine room of the state’s civil service, and have been playing vital roles in determining the political direction of Borno State.
Unfortunately,  no Christian has ever been  governor and none hopes to be one day. No Christian has been deputy governor, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Deputy Speaker or holds any principal position in the legislature. We cannot hope to be Secretary to the State Government, or Head of the Civil Service. Though few become commissioners in the state, it is not enough slot, considering their limited numbers. It is only the Government of Kashim Shettima that has attempted to give a human face to the treatment of Christians when he appointed two Christians, for the first time, into his cabinet.
No one can deny the fact that Christians in Borno are among the most honest and intelligent groups. No one can also deny the fact that a Christian Deputy Governor or even Governor could make a lot of difference to the socio-economic development of Borno state.
We believe that God gave Governor Shettima an edge over his over-ambitious former tormentor Ali Sheriff so that he can fulfil the yearnings of Christians, and give them the leeway to enjoy their rights and privileges.
We hope that Governor Shettima will be bold enough to take the bull by the horn and write his name in gold, by considering my appeal. Capable hands abound, who can be so appointed if the Governor so decides. Already the names of the likes of Harami Balami have been made. I urge Governor Shettima to make history in this regard. It is an imperative; it will be just and fair. It is needful.
Charles Mshelia Esq is a Lagos based Legal Practitioner