By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

MAIDUGURI—Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has petitioned the police to unravel the origin of presidential campaign posters depicting him and Governor Rochas Okorocha as teaming together for the 2019 presidential election.

Shettima in the petition addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase affirmed that the posters were the handiwork of his political enemies and were aimed towards causing animosity between him and President Muhammadu Buhari. Besides, he alleged that the posters could also scupper the good relations between the state and the Federal Government which has helped in turning the tide against the Boko Haram insurgency.

The petition written on behalf of the governor by the permanent secretary, Government House, Mr. Ahmed Sanda dated May 29, 2016 and with reference number BOSLO/ABJ/14/IV/407 read in part: “I have been directed by His Excellency, the Executive of Borno State, Kashim Shettima to bring to the IGP’s notice, dozens of fraudulently produced posters bearing his name and picture claiming he is aspiring for the 2019 Presidency. The posters have been pasted on some routes in Abuja and Kaduna.

2. Governor Kashim Shettima regards this development as a highly mischievous plot that is aimed at destabilizing the emerging peace in Borno State through creation of unnecessary political tension while on the other hand it might aim at creating gap between the Borno State Government and the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration (which just marked it’s first year in office) with a wicked agenda.”