Borno probes ‘illegal diversion’ of IDPs’ rice

Kashim Shettima, governor of Borno state, has directed security agencies to investigate the alleged diversion of large quantities of rice meant for feeding internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Bags of rice supplied by the national emergency management agency (NEMA) for the feeding the IDPs were allegedly diverted by some government officials.

Shettima’s directive was part of a statement issued in Maiduguri on Saturday by Isa Gusau, his special adviser on communications and strategy.

Gusau said that the governor gave the directive while hosting heads of security agencies and members of the state executive council to a Ramadan breakfast at the government house, Maiduguri.

He said that the directive followed widespread allegations that some government functionaries were diverting for personal use, food supplies meant for the feeding of IDPs.

“Gov. Kashim Shettima has directed security agents to investigate and arrest anyone found culpable in the alleged diversion of rice meant for the feeding of the IDPs in the state,” read the statement.

“The directive followed the circulation of video clips and still pictures on social media alleging that some officials of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) are re-bagging rice meant for IDPs’ feeding for onward sales in the market.”

He said Shettima blamed the development on certain politicians who were bent on bringing down his administration at all costs.

“The governor said that although he would await the outcome of the investigation, he is aware that a group of Abuja-based politicians from the state have sworn to bring down his administration.

“They are using all kinds of mischief, including the one of May 29 when hundreds of his posters were dubiously produced.

“The posters were pasted along strategic ‎points in Abuja and Kaduna, claiming that he is aspiring to become Nigeria’s president in 2019 with Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo as his running mate.”

“They are coming up with all kinds of mischief, including trying to set me up against the Presidency, they don’t care if doing that can obstruct our success in the war against Boko Haram insurgents,.”