President Jonathan slams Borno Governor, Kashim Shettima over comment on Boko Haram

President Goodluck Jonathan descended heavily on the Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, describing as “unfortunate” a statement credited to the governor that the Boko Haram sect was more equipped than the Nigerian military.

He, however, said he had no plan to replace the governor with a military administrator as being speculated.

Following the declaration of a state of emergency in three north eastern states- Borno, Adamawa and Yobe- the armed forces had deployed troops to the states to contain the insurgent activities of the Boko Haram.

Mr. Shettima, apparently frustrated by the rising incidents of killing in Borno State, had told journalists after a meeting with the Mr. Jonathan at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja last week that the dreaded sect was better armed than the armed forces.

He said the military as currently constituted and armed could not defeat the sect.

“Boko Haram are better armed and are better motivated than our own troops,” the governor had said. ‘Given the present state of affairs, it is absolutely impossible for us to defeat Boko Haram.”

However, fielding questions on Monday from a four-member interview panel during the sixth presidential chat, Mr. Jonathan suggested that if he withdrew the military for one month from Borno State, the governor would not stay in the state.

“The issue of the governor of Borno State, the statement is a bit unfortunate. I don’t expect a governor to make this kind of statement and if the governor of Borno State felt that the Nigerian armed forces are not useful he should tell Nigerians, I will pull them out for one month whether he will stay in that his Government House. But, if he thinks what he said is correct then I will pull out the armed forces for one month.

“A governor should be mindful of what they say. Yes there are issues, but no matter how frustrated you are you don’t make this kind of statement.