BY NDAHI MARAMA

THE people of Borno state on 29th May, this year recorded yet another milestone in history as they witnessed the inauguration ceremony of Governor Kashim Shettima as the 6th Executive governor of the state.

The occasion which took place at the popular Ramat Square, Maiduguri amidst tight security witnessed low turn-out of people, as many were scared of possible attacks by suspected members of the Islamist sect (Boko Haram) who had earlier warned the people of the state, to steer clear of the venue as they vowed to launch an attack.

Former governor Ali Modu Sheriff while delivering his speech admitted that, eight years of his leadership was not easy considering the task involved especially in ensuring equitable distribution of resources across the state as well as the prevailing security challenges facing the state.

While noting that over the years that he might have stepped on so many toes, Sheriff pointed out that it was not deliberate, but done to move the state forward.

He, nevertheless said that he was leaving the state a fulfilled man having passed on a total of N63 billion in the in the state’s account without any outstanding bank loan. That was despite the facts that when he took over the mantle of leadership in 2003, the state government was indebted to the tune of N7 billion.

He further explained that his administration was able to build over 2,000 housing units in the state, construct about 5 general hospitals in Bayo, Kala- Balge, Chibok, Askira –Uba and Maiduguri Metropolitan council areas, in addition to the fully renovated Maiduguri Specialists Hospital and other health institutions in the state despite the financial challenges.

Alhaji Kashim Shettima who was sworn in following Sheriff’s speech in his inaugural address promised to employ diplomacy in tackling the challenge of Boko Haram, which he said was the greatest threat to the state.

Shettima was sworn – in by the Chief Judge, Justice Kashim Zanna at the Ramat Square Maiduguri.

He equally promised that his administration will pursue vigorously the implementation of people oriented projects, particularly in the areas of health care delivery, qualitative education, agricultural production, employment generations and the improvement in the welfare of civil servants who are the engine room of any meaningful administration.