Boko Haram: Support Shettima, Groups Tell President Jonathan

SAN FRANCISCO, February 28, (THEWILL) - President Goodluck Jonathan has been asked to support the Borno State governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, in order to find a lasting solution to the Boko Haram insurgency in the state.

A coalition of about 150 groups made the call at a rally held in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Friday .

Speaking at the rally, the coordinator of the coalition, Babagana Gambole  and his secretary ,  Ifeanyi Chukwu, urged President  Jonathan to embrace  Shettima instead of calling his bluff.

Maintaining that the problem of Boko Haram would be resolved easily when the two leaders work as one, they said:  "We call on the President, Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Dr.

Goodluck Jonathan to ignore elements that may be working to cause disaffection between the Presidency and Borno State Government as that will not do the country any good in the fight against insurgency.

"We know that at all times, there are elements who try to take advantage of 'openings' to sever relationships in order to make selfish benefits either materially or politically.

' According to the groups, 'We all know that President Jonathan and Governor Shettima share one thing in common: both are extremely humble.

Therefore, any rise of nerves can only be caused by elements who do not mean well for Nigeria.

'It should be well understood, that Mr President's major challenge and perhaps yardstick for his choice by electorates in whatever future endeavour is how he is able to address the current security challenges in the Northeast especially in Borno and Yobe States.

'The Governors of Borno and Yobe States also have the same challenges and political determinants.

" The coalition maintained that Boko Haram insurgency cannot be  tackled without the support of the state government and the governor as well as "community members who have allegiance to the Governor.

" They however noted that Shettima alone cannot bring the insurgency to an end all alone without the support of President Jonathan.

They stated that the political difference and misunderstanding between the presidency and the Borno governor will only compound the problem at hand.