TheCable

A group known as the Katsina Network for Peace and Leadership (KANPAL) has asked Babagana Zulum, Borno governor, to ignore “faceless” pro-military organisations.

Zulum has been critical of the way the military is working to contain the insurgency in the north-east.

However, in its response to Zulum’s comments on the Nigerian army’s counter-insurgency operations, the military had asked the governor to stop demoralising the soldiers on the front lines with his comments.

In a statement on Sunday, Ibrahim Yusuf Bakori, national coordinator of the group, urged Zulum to remain focused on providing good governance to the residents of Borno.

Bakori said some reports are being “sponsored” against the governor to invalidate his “evidence-based concern over the security of lives and property of his people”.

“We strongly salute the governor of Borno state, Professor Umaru Babagana Zulum, for his very unique leadership that every sane Nigerian is appreciating,” the coordinator said.

“We have monitored, in the last two weeks, increased media attacks, most of them by groups we have found to be faceless.

“Only one group held a press conference in Abuja and we know that group very well. With good ‘motivation’, the same group will be ready to hold a counter press conference in favour of Governor Zulum. Responding to any of these groups will make them important. Zulum is too great a leader to be seen responding to idiots.

“We urge the governor to remain focused on his people because he was elected by them and not appointed.

“We also place Nigerians on notice to expect sustained media attacks on Governor Zulum because his selfless and patriotic stand does not tally with the greed of some people.

“We urge good Nigerians to continue to pray for that exemplary Governor and God will surely protect, guide and strengthen him, bi iznillah.”

Bakori also dismissed a report by a panel which absolved the military from the attack on the convoy of the Borno governor.

“We find it both laughable and insulting to common sense, that the same military which was accused set up a kangaroo panel of all-military personnel, investigated themselves by themselves and cleared themselves,” he said.

“A serious panel that is out for the truth could have interviewed the governor. The panel restricted themselves to themselves and cleared themselves.”