Bornu Delegates Presents Buhari With Letter On Security Observations And 10 Demands To End Boko Haram

A delegation from Bornu on Monday,January 7,2019 presented a letter containing security-related  “observations” and ten undisclosed demands to President Muhammadu Buhari  at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The delegates comprising Borno state Governor, traditional rulers, elders, national and state assembly members, ‎local government chairmen, various groups,Labour Union and the Nigerian Union of Journalists and labour unions presented demands that are connected to measures that the delegation is hoping, if granted by the President, can help in the efforts to end Boko Haram mayhem in the state.

Leader of the delegates, Governor Kashim Shettima in his explanation, said that the demands and observations are the outcome of an extraordinary security meeting which he convened in Maiduguri a week ago.

He stated further that he was presenting the letter on behalf of the delegation and told journalists that he was not going to disclose both demands and observations because it has to do with security. He also said the delegation would discuss the issues raised in closed door meeting with the President.

“Your Excellency, we came with some observations and 10 specific requests for urgent presidential intervention. These observations and requests are products of discussions in the aftermath of our extraordinary security meeting held a week ago. We traveled to northern Borno, interact with displaced persons and the military so as to strengthen public confidence.

” I also seek the understanding of journalists by not making public, any of our observations and 10 requests. They are matters of security, which we hope to discuss with Mr President in closed door."Shettima said.

The Governor also explained that the people of Borno State have demonstrated the highest commitment to the fight against Boko Haram by donating their sons and daughters who have been fighting in battle fronts as volunteers under the Civilian JTF.

“Mr President, from 2013 to date, more than 20,000 youth volunteers both male and femaleamongst have offered themselves in fighting Boko Haram under the Civilian JTF. These youths are sons and daughters of the same people of Borno State that were accused of undermining the fight against Boko Haram.

“We have been have been responsible for their recruitment after thorough vetting by the DSS. We fund their training, kit them, provide them operational vehicles and maintain these vehicles. We pay their allowances, supply them surveillance gadgets and we deploy them on the advice of security establishments. Most importantly, these Civilian JTF are good in gathering local intelligence and they are experts in identifying Boko Haram members no matter how they try to conceal themselves. They have done so much with our consistent support and we seriously have supported and continue to support all security agencies, particularly the military” the Governor noted.