A notable grassroots politician and All Progressives Congress (APC) member in Borno State, Hon Dr. Al-Bashir Yahaya Ibrahim has said that former Borno State Governor, Senator Kashim Shettima has the knowledge and experience having governed Borno state for 8 years as Governor and served as State Commissioner of Finance, Education and Local Government & Chieftain y Affairs apart from his banking experience is much suitable to be the Vice President of whoever may emerge as the APC Presidential flag bearer in the 2023 general elections.
Bashir who is also a one time Councillor of Bayo LGC of Borno state and presently, the Special Assistant to the Minister of Police Affairs,Alhaji Mohammed Maigari Dingiyadi disclosed this to journalists in Maiduguri today.
Bashir said Senator Shettima who has governed Borno state for eight years amidst Boko Haram challenges has done wonderfully well to the people of the state and the north east in general, pointing out that, during Shettima’s tenure as Governor, he has united members of the APC as a one family, and commended his successor, Professor Babagana Zulum for his continuous efforts in rebuilding the state.
‘”if Senator Shettima said he is backing Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu or Vice President Yemi Osibanjo to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari, he is in full support of Kashim becoming the running mate other Chief Nola Ahmed Tinubu.
“I am in his support and have no option than for Kashim to become VP. I call on all his supporters to rally round to ensure anyone who became the presidential flag bearer emerged as President salvage the country from the ills of banditry, terrorism and the current dwindling socio-economic system.
“Senator Kashim during his tenure as governor from 2011 to 2019 has brought about infrastructural developments in the area of education, health and other social sectors, as roads, schools hospitals were constructed.
“In addition to reconstruction and rehabilitation of critical infrastructures and houses destroyed by insurgents as well as resettlement of thousands of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs across the 27 council areas, despite paucity of funds with attendant decrease of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR.
“These and many more developmental efforts recorded under Shettima’s 8- years administration earned him the respect and confidence from all members of the ruling party, hence, he deserve the support and full backing at all times.
“In view of the forthcoming 2023 general elections, I want to join other well meaning Nigerians and supporters of our great party, and fully behind who ever Senator Shettima support to emerge as APC presidential candidate”, Bashir said.
He however appealed to all and sundry to continue give maximum support to the government of Governor Zulum and the security agencies who are doing good enough in the fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP, as peace is gradually returning to the state which has led to execution and implementation of over 556 people oriented projects and Programmes across the state in the last three years of Governor Zulum .
Baahir added that the emerging peace has tremendously and impressively resulted in several basic infrastructures presence all over the places including first of it’s kind flyover commissioned by President Buhari, mega schools, vocational training centers, hospitals and doctors staff quarters full furnished and provided with all the basic facilities and amenities, recruitment of teaching and health workers, civil service improvement and payments of regular salaries a d allowances as well as pensions and gratuities among many others within the few years that he is in office.
