“Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State and the leadership of the ruling All Progressive Congress have reached a truce to end political hostilities and allow a former governor of the state, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, and his allies to re-join the party.
“The truce was reached at a meeting in Abuja on Tuesday’s night and it lasted until the early hours of yesterday. Present at the meeting were Governor Shetima, Sheriff, Sheriff’s ally, Alhaji Kashim Imam, as well as the brokers, Mallam Abba Kyari and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe.
“Daily Trust learnt that the meeting was brokered by Chief of Staff to the President Mallam Abba Kyari and that it took place at Babagana Kingibe’s Asokoro residence.
“At the end of the meeting, Governor Shetima and Ex-governor Sheriff were said to have forgiven each other. The two major decisions reached were that Ali Modu Sheriff and his allies could join APC not as a group but as individuals at the ward level in line with the party’s constitution. It was also agreed that the impending ward, local government and state congresses would go ahead and would be conducted strictly in accordance with the party’s constitution.
So, any action or step that will bring a sigh of peace and good life to the people would be a welcome gesture. So the coming together of the APC warring groups and indeed the major stakeholders in Borno body politics, which signifies the road to peace, is a welcome development
“A top politician close to the Borno state governor confirmed…that the meeting indeed took place. He said it was held at Kingibe’s residence since he is the eldest of the Abuja-based Borno elders.
“He also said the purpose of the meeting was to achieve peace and unity among Borno elders, particularly in view of Boko Haram and other issues confronting the state. The source, who pleaded anonymity, said his understanding of the deal is that ex-PDP chairman, Ali Modu Sheriff, and his allies would assume the role of elder statesmen but would not dabble into the affairs of the party in the state and try to upset the apple cart.”
The above was contained in the Daily Trust of Thursday May 3, 2018. The following day, being May 4, a meeting of major stakeholders of the APC took place at the multipurpose hall of Government House, Maiduguri. In attendance were Senator Sheriff, Mallam Aba Kyari, Chief of staff to the President; Alhaji Kashim Imam, members of the National Assembly from Borno, members of Borno State House of Assembly, party chieftains and other stakeholders.
At the meeting, individuals including Governor Shettima, Senator Sheriff and Kashim Imam spoke on the need for forgiveness and true reconciliation among members for Borno to move forward.
Indeed, it was a gathering that took many by storm and surprise as supporters of hitherto warring groups of Governor Shetima and Senator Sheriff were seen exchanging pleasantries. It was indeed a sign of hope at the end of the troubled tunnel.
The people, no doubt, are happy with the dramatic turn of events but not without mixture of pessimism and optimism. They are happy as they could perceive a silver lining in the dark cloud that hung over Borno for the past eight years. There is an aura of long awaited peace that has eluded the philosophical “Home of Peace and Hospitality” for almost a decade. They perceive and smell the peace; they cherish the peace and anyone or group who will bring this peace is their hero and idol. Borno, popularly known as “Home of Peace” for the past eight years or more, has become home of pieces and human abattoir.
“More recently, the cheapness of human life has been aggravated by the cruelty of the militant Islamic groups like Boko haram whose putative campaign for an Islamic state has been characterised by cold-blooded acts of mass murder. Ever since its renewed campaign of terror began in May 2011, the country has witnessed assassinations, bombings, armed attacks and abductions on a regular basis. Places of worship, markets and bus stations have been bombed; civilians have been slaughtered; girls and young women have been abducted,” a public analyst, who would not want to be cited, once observed.
So, any action or step that will bring a sigh of peace and good life to the people would be a welcome gesture. So the coming together of the APC warring groups and indeed the major stakeholders in Borno body politics, which signifies the road to peace, is a welcome development that called for the prayers and cooperation of all.
However, not all that glitters is gold. Much as the best for Borno is expected from the reconciled groups, there is scepticism or pessimism from some quarters that the so-called unity of hitherto estranged groups might be a farce. The pessimists rightly or wrongly doubt the sincerity of some of the leaders of the concerned groups who would not give peace a chance because of their ego or disposition. The concerned leaders will never like the role of a second fiddle, as they want nothing short of leadership role. They want to dictate and give orders that to them must be obeyed, consequences notwithstanding. The united forum of the warring groups should not be used as a wool across the face of the people to foster individual or group ego. Nothing destroys a man like ego, as pride is evil and this is enunciated in both the holy Bible and the holy Qur’an.
Whatever may be the perception, rating or opinion of individuals or groups with the coming together of the agreed APC groups, they need to give the now united APC front as well other stakeholders a chance for the ultimate peace and the stability of Borno is imperative as the peace of Borno is not negotiable. This is a task that must be done. It is time for all the concerned to sheath their swords for the survival of Borno.
In the words of Governor Kashim Shetima, “We must make compromises and tolerate one another against pride so that we can move forward as a society. History will judge us most harshly if for the sake of political greed, we fight and Borno falls. May God forbid!”
I agree no less.
*Izekor, a journalist and public affairs analyst, is Member, Board of Advisers of The Point.