… AS SHEHU CONDEMNS CALL FOR HIS PROSECUTION

By NBF News

Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai El-Kanemi has condemned call for his prosecution as being championed by the Boko Haram in a hand-written release purportedly authored by the sect and addressed to journalists in the state early this week.

The letter allegedly written by the Jama'atu ahlus sunnah lid da'awati wal jihad, known as Boko Haram had called for the prosecution of the traditional ruler under Sharia Law over the killing of its members in the July 2009 insurgence.

But the Shehu in his reaction contained in a statement issued by the Borno Emirate Council, faulted the allegation of his involvement in the killing of the sect leader, Mohammed Yusuf as well as some members of the group in 2009.

The statement signed on behalf of the emirate by its Secretary, Zanna Laisu, said it became necessary to react 'because of the serious concern and displeasure shown by all communities, citizens and good people of Borno Emirate and the nation in general on the issue of linking the Shehu with such unpleasant developments in the state.' It absolved the traditional ruler of any complicity in the matter.

'For the avoidance of doubt, at no time was his royal highness or the emirate council ever contacted or consulted by any authority within or outside the state on the breach of peace in the city of Maiduguri in particular and the state in general. 'The emirate council condemns in no uncertain terms all insinuations to its involvement or that of his royal highness. The Shehu since his ascension to the throne has continued to preach peace, harmony, stability and justice which are the greatest and well known heritage of Borno emirate for time immemorial,' the statement said.

The Shehu called for restraints and appealed for peace, harmony and unity among all communities in Borno and Nigeria.