The Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, has vowed to return to Gamboru-Ngala through the Maiduguri-Gamboa Road, where his convoy came under Boko Haram attack last week, for campaign.
Stating his reason for wanting to return, Shettima said that as the chief security officer of Borno, it was his duty to display courage to encourage his people despite the risk to himself.
At least four civilians and a soldier were reported killed when Boko Haram insurgents dressed like soldiers ambushed the governor’s convoy and rained bullets on it.
However, Shettima said that it would not stop him from Gamboru-Ngala for campaign.
The governor spoke in Abuja after a Tuesday security meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari alongside the governors of Adamawa and Kaduna states and the nation’s security chiefs.
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He said, “When you juxtapose the sorry state of the north east four years ago and what it is now, you will admit there has been great change in our fortune security wise. The threats and challenges are still there, but, when you put it in proper perspective, I think the president deserves commendation, not condemnation.
“Be that as it may, uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. I’m the chief security officer of the state, so, I should have the courage; and, believe me, not that I’m not petrified, no! John McCain said ‘courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act in spite of it.’ As the chief security officer of the state, the day I say I cannot go to a certain part of the state because of the insecurity, then, what sort of confidence are you inspiring on the common man?
“The Boko Haram basked in the oxygen of publicity by attacking my convoy; and, by targeting my person, they’ve got the much needed boost. But then, as they say, if you cannot withstand the heat, get out of the kitchen. Leadership requires courage. I’ll go back to Gamboru Ngala next week and ready to pay the supreme price if need be and I will not be going in a bullet proof car.
“I will go in a normal car like any other members of my convoy and expose myself to all the risk that they are bearing for me to be protected.
“But believe me, no matter how long the night is, darkness must give away to the light of the dawn, no matter how stormy the weather may well be, it won’t rain forever. This madness will come to an end because it is fight between light and darkness, it is a fight between cause and justice.”
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