Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has said the current strategy employed in the fight against insurgency in the northeast can not resolve the decade long war, hence the need to think differently.
Gov. Sule stated this on Saturday when he led a delegation comprising of the former Governor of Nasarawa State, Umar Tanko Almakura, the emir of Lafiya, Justice Sidi Bage Mohammed (Rtd), the emir of Keffi, Dr. Shehu Chindo Mohammed II and Senator John Danboye to commiserate with Governor Babagana Umara Zulum over the killing of farmers in Zabarmari at the Government House, Maiduguri.
“We use this opportunity to call on all our leaders, including Mr President that it is time for us to start thinking differently, we have tried so many options, if the options did not resolve our problems there is nothing wrong with looking at other options so that we can solve our problems once and for all.” Engr. Abdullahi said.
In his commiseration message, Governor Abdullahi expressed the concern of the entire people of Nasarawa over the lingering security challenges in Borno.
The Governor also prayed for peace to reign in the state and the repose of the souls of the departed citizens. He also condemned the attack on innocent farmers earning their legitimate means of livelihood.
“Today we have come, first and foremost to commiserate with you my dear brother the Governor of Borno State and indeed the entire people of Borno State for what you are going through.”
“Like the MC said, as we stay in Nasarawa, constantly our concerns are in what happens in Borno State. We go to bed, we wake up, we keep thinking about what is happening actually in Borno State. And it is indeed very saddening at this era that people will engage in this kind of barbaric act to eliminate the lives of other people in whatever disguise. Nobody has the right to do that.”
“We have come to remind you Professor, God the Almighty said, he will not over burden us with what we cannot handle. We strongly believe that the God Almighty that has brought you to this position at this time with your members of delegation and the entire elders that you have along with you, with our dear father, the Shehu of Borno, the God Almighty will support you, because you mean well for the people of Borno.”
“There is absolutely no doubt that peace and progress will not come to a place where there is no peace, we pray first and foremost to the Almighty Allah, who has challenged us, because God Almighty in Surah albaqara has clearly said he will challenge us with all kinds of rift. When we pray it’s he alone that will take it away from us. Ya Allah you have tested us enough, take away this test from us.”
Responding, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum expressed appreciation to the delegation for their visit. He also thanked the entire people of Nasarawa for their prayers and concerns over what is happening in Borno.
“We are most honored and we are most grateful to you, may Almighty Allah reward you abundantly. We acknowledge your support, we acknowledge your sympathy to the people and government of Borno State.”Zulum said.
He added, “Your Excellency, we are aware that the entire people of Nasarawa are praying for the well-being of the people of Borno State. Your visit today will further strengthen our relationship, it has shown the degree of fraternity between the two states. Once again, I wish to sincerely appreciate your visit.”
The delegation was later led by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum to the Shehu’s Palace for commiseration with the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai Elkanemi.