Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda, Secretary to Borno State Government, has
claimed that Islamist sect, Boko Haram, taken
over a considerable part
of the state.
Jidda revealed this while addressing journalists in
Abuja on Sunday, noting that, the activities of Boko Haram has paralyzed
governmental, economic, social and political activities in the state.
He
stated that the state and its citizens would be silent on any
discussion concerning 2015 elections, adding that, politicians should
also play down discussions on 2015 elections in the state or anywhere in
the country in the face of terrorism.
Jidda lamented Independent
National Electoral Commission’s decision to conduct a bye-election for
Jere LG House of Assembly Constituency on 3 October despite increasing
terrorist attacks. He explained that displaced persons now live in
refugee camps in Maiduguri as well as in neighbouring countries like
Niger, Chad and Cameroun.
In his speech titled, “Imperatives of
Peace before Politicking”, Jidda said it is cruel for anyone to be
scheming for political office in the state.
He then called for a
stakeholders summit of eminent citizens of North-east zone, irrespective
of ethnicity, political and religious affiliations, to articulate a
broad-based solutions to the threat posed by the insurgents.
“At
this very moment, most parts of Borno State are being occupied by Boko
Haram insurgents. Government presence and administration is minimal or
non-existent across many parts of the state, with economic, commercial
and social services totally subdued. Schools and clinics remain closed.
“Most
settlements in the affected areas in the state have either been
deserted or access to them practically impossible, thus majority of the
political stakeholders cannot, in real fact reach their constituencies.
“So,
the threat of insecurity affects everybody irrespective of political
differences. The enabling environment for politics and electioneering
campaign is simply not obtainable at present in Borno State. In the view
of many, the thought about politics and pursuit of political interest
in this environment appears absurd, callous and
morally repulsive.”
Source:PM News
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