The selection of Senator Kashim Shettima as the vice presidential running mate for Ahmed Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued to elicit emotions from all parts of Nigeria. Which as lead to Nigerians questions why Shettima and Boko Haram.
The attempt by some ill-intentioned social media influencers to connect the late governor of Borno State to the terrorist organization Boko Haram is the most alarming.
What factors might have been at play in the attempt to connect Shettima to Boko Haram?
Even though the hired and unpaid propagandists behind this horrible propaganda haven’t offered any proof connecting the senator to terrorism, it’s still important to study certain facts from the opposition’s blatant lies and sort the wheat from the chaff.
For instance, Shettima’s convoy was attacked by members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) as it was traveling to Gamboru Ngala for a rally ahead of the 2019 presidential and National Assembly elections. Three of his supporters were killed, and many others suffered various degrees of injuries.
As is customary, ISWAP took responsibility for the strike the next day. The identities of the deceased, who included a valiant soldier and two steadfast politicians, were confirmed by the then Special Adviser on Communications and Strategy, Malam Isa Gusau.
Gusau claims that the primary goal of the attack was to grab the attention of the international media in order to forward the terrorists’ purpose of terrorizing the populace and eroding the morale of the valiant soldiers.
In a 56-minute video, the Boko Haram terrorists’ commander, Abubakar Shekau, threatened Shettima and high government figures and gave the order for his followers and foot troops to kill them wherever and whenever they found them. Shekau was eventually killed in an apparent suicide bombing.
Shettima was listed as their top target, therefore may he have some connection to Boko Haram?
Shettima and Babagana Zulum were referenced in the video, which was not unexpected given that both individuals have repeatedly spoken out against Boko Haram’s atrocities and diligently worked with security personnel and other stakeholders to destroy them.
Additionally, they have assisted Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in returning to their respective native villages as well as recovering from the harm that terrorists have caused to their life.
It should be mentioned as well that Shettima spent a significant amount of money providing the military with security gear and hundreds of vehicles to facilitate movement during operations, in addition to pleading with the federal government to step up measures targeted at eradicating terrorism.
Is it that governor associated with the terrorist group Boko Haram?
To enhance the fight against Boko Haram terrorists, Shettima provided appropriate funding for the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), also known as Volunteer Vigilante Youth Groups, in 2013. These groups later received counterterrorism operations training.
To help the fight against Boko Haram members, he also gave over 20,000 CJTFs necessary logistical and welfare support. The motive strengthened the critical roles played by CJTF in gathering intelligence, making it simple to identify and apprehend potential militants, among other things.
Could Shettima have supported their tormentors while maintaining a connection to Boko Haram fighters?
Shettima was adamantly advocating for the deployment of military personnel and equipment before to the end of his term as governor of Borno State in order to lessen the threat posed by the terrorist organization in the Northeast.
Shettima was really one of the few figures, given the price tag of the war on terror, to persuade state governors of the importance of approving $1 billion from the Excess Crude Account for the counter-insurgency operations. He also defended the federal government’s strategy for ensuring the fund’s wise application for its intended use.
Could Shettima have had a connection with terrorists, yet support counter-terrorism financing?
When Boko Haram militants demolished churches in Borno, Shettima not only donated money for their rebuilding but also made sure the locations were well secured. Bishop Mohammed Naga, the chairman of the CAN’s Borno Chapter, testified as to this by saying: “During Shettima’s visit to these communities, he released N100 million for the rebuilding of some of these churches. A committee was formed for that reason, and I served on it. The committee’s chairman was the permanent secretary Justus Zare. I’m delighted to tell you that we are currently using that money to construct 11 significant churches that our people are currently attending.
People asking why we shouldn’t rebuild all the churches surprises me. We are unable to accomplish it because many areas remain dangerous.
If Shettima had ties to Boko Haram fighters, would religious leaders celebrate him?
Shettima is not a religious bigot or an ethnocentric leader. He is a personable individual who values equity, justice, and fairness. He has consistently argued for peaceful coexistence amongst many tribes and religions in his speeches and public appearances.
Therefore, it is unjust and absurd to associate him with Boko Haram terrorism when he has actually been their main foe and a target for years.
