Governor Renews Call On Boko Haram To Dialogue

Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno on Thursday renewed calls on the Boko Haram to end its violent campaign and to embrace dialogue with the government. Shettima made the call when he spoke with newsmen after he presented a budget of N184 billion for the 2013 fiscal year to the state’s House of Assembly in Maiduguri.
He pointed out that the violent campaign by the sect had destroyed social and economic activities in the state.
The governor, who wept openly, said that the violence had affected government’s plans to develop the state.
“Without peace, we cannot achieve much in our desire to implement development projects in the state.
“I call on my brothers and sisters in the Ja’atul Ahlis Sunna wal’ Da awati to please lay down their arms and dialogue with the government for peace,” he pleaded.
The state’s 2013 budget is made up of N132 billion capital and N52 billion recurrent expenditures.