Borno govt to conduct LG polls before year end

Despite the lingering security challenges in Borno state, Governor Kashim Shettima, has announced his administration’s readiness to conduct local government council elections in the second or third quarter of this year.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 27 LGCs chairmen on Tuesday, he said: “We will be conceding our democracy to Boko Haram who has been hell bent on stopping and destroying us and our institutions. If there are three places where elections should be held and without compromising the safety of citizens, even if it means under special security surveillance, those places should be Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states so that we send a clear message that we are not deterred and yes, we will go ahead.”
He added: “Our citizens have the constitutional responsibilities of participating in electoral processes. We in government, have the obligation of facilitating their participation. We cannot abdicate in our obligations as leaders. Borno state government through the State Independent Electoral Commission plans to organise a local government election in the second quarter of this year.”
Continuing, he said: “It was completely out of strategy for anyone to have contemplated keeping these states out. I am however glad that the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, said he was misquoted and I believe him. I have heard and read commentaries of some people asking if the elections would hold as a result of some insecurity resurgence we have suffered in recent times and I wonder what they imply, I ask whether they think it is better for us to give in to the threats of the Boko Haram. By failing to conduct elections in Borno state, whether at the councillorship, local government, national and state assemblies, governorship or presidential levels.
“So, to our 27 chairmen, you have the task of mobilising our people and facilitating their safe and active participation in all electoral processes. And doing this, you must be patriotic, fair and committed in discharging your obligations whether to uplift the living standards of the people or to mobilising them, I employ you to be prudent and accountable.”