Governor denies appointing Chibok principal as commissioner

Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima has denied reports that he has nominated the Principal of the Government Secondary School, Chibok, Asabe Kwambura to be the state’s commissioner for education.

The governor made the denial via a statement released by his Special Adviser on Communications and Strategy, Isa Gusau.

It reads in part:

“In the last one week, we have noticed a very strange information being circulated by some online media platforms claiming that Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State had nominated Mrs Asabe Kwambura, Principal of Government Secondary School, Chibok for the post of commissioner for education.”

“We completely ignored the story for what it was, a mischievous joke and cheap blackmail that didn’t deserve any response as it was mainly ‘trending’ on the social media.”

“However, we noticed and most unfortunately, that in recent days, some otherwise respected F.M stations reported such a joke without even making the slightest attempt to cross check with officials in Borno State Government or at least, find out from journalists or media houses that have correspondents resident in Borno State who are in position to have accurate information about the activities of Governor Kashim Shettima and general happenings in the State.”

“…To say that Governor Kashim Shettima has nominated Mrs Kwambura as commissioner for education and that she was to undergo screening at the Borno State House of Assembly simply indicates crass ignorance on government procedures and which goes to confirm that the story was indeed, nothing more than a joke that should only be told during comedy shows to entertain audience.”

“For the purpose of those who might have taken that joke seriously, it can be verified that since the dissolution of the Borno State Executive Council on May 27, 2015, Governor Kashim Shettima is yet to nominate anyone for office of Commissioner.”

“It is, therefore, important to raise questions on the source of that information about Kwambura’s nomination and the motive behind it. To my understanding, the aim was merely to create an impression that the Principal of Government Secondary School, Chibok, was being ‘rewarded’ after the abduction of the schoolgirls. Perhaps the aim was also to create doubts about the abduction or link it to the Governor as was earlier attempted by officials that worked with the immediate past PDP led Federal Government.”

Kwambura was in charge of GSS Chibok when over 200 girls were abducted from the school by Boko Haram insurgents on April 14, 2014.