By Gbenga Akingbule
Vice President President, Senator Kashim Shettima, at the weekend, threw his weight behind the leadership of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and said he owes no one apology for his backing.
Gatekeepers News reports that lots of drama and politicking had played its way into who becomes the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NEDC but at last the camp of Vice President Kashim Shettima laughed as Mohammed Alkali from Borno State was returned for a second term in office
Senator Shettima made his feelings known in Maiduguri, the state capital during the flagging off of distribution of N15 billion palliatives by the NEDC.
According to The Vice President, “I want to commend our Senators and House of Representatives Members for standing firm against blackmail and intimidation, a lot of mudslinging exercise was done ostensibly to frustrate our efforts.
“I was severally blamed and stigmatised for doing the right thing. I owe no one apology for what has to do with the welfare of our people.
“To blackmail Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni they deliberately went and picked his older brother to be the chairman of the NEDC, but Governor Buni said no, but let justice be done,’ VP Shettima said
The Vice President stated that instead of some people embarking on criticism and blackmail of the current NEDC leadership, they should instead apply their valuable time to commending the leadership for doing a good job in the last four years.
The VP revealed that the achievement recorded by the Alkali-led Commission in the last four years is unprecedented and ought to be applauded by all.
“When the last management rounded up their duties, they left behind in their kitty
N237 billion which is unprecedented in the contemporary history of governance in Nigeria ” Shettima said.
At the twilight of former President Muhammadu’s administration, Dr Umar Abubakar Hashidu was hurriedly appointed MD/CEO of NEDC without screening by the National Assembly. However, Hashidu’s reign was cut short following Alkali’s confirmation.
