21st September, 2016
Shettima made the statement at a reception organised for him by Col. Adamu Laka, Commander, 21 Armored Brigade in Bama headquarters of Bama Local Government Area
He said that the he took the decision to mobilise human and material resources for the reconstruction of the town.
“We are glad that we are in Bama to fasttrack the rehabilitation and reconstruction of homes and other structures in this ancient town.
“Like I said, I am going to spend two weeks, or a minimum of one week here,“ he said, adding that he would also visit Gwoza and Lassa to supervise reconstruction work in the areas.
“I will be shuttling to Gwoza as well.
“I will also visit Lassa to see things for myself,“ he said.
The governor said that some of his associates were opposed to his decision.
He said: “we should have courage to follow our conversation.
“When I mooted the idea of coming to Bama, a lot of people advised that I should not come.
“But any life that is not worth taking risks is not worth living.
“I told the critics that our soldiers are there putting their lives on the line and getting separated from their families so we can have peace.
“The soldiers also have blood running in their veins”.
Shettima said that his visit was also a kind of solidarity with the soldiers.
“Even out of solidarity with the troops, I should come here and work for the rebuilding of Bama.
“Insha Allah this is what we are going to do,” he said, stressing that his action had no political under tone.
“We are in Bama to work for the people to develop the state and Nigeria as a whole.
“Believe me this has nothing to do with politics; it has to do with good governance and for the wellbeing of the people.
“This is not the time for us to play politics with the lives of our people.
“It is a time for us to play development politics”.
The governor said he had mobilised enough security to ensure the success of his trip.
“We are here with 500 vigilantes and civilian JTF.
“The mobile Police are back in Bama and we are here with Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp,“ he said.
Shettima lauded the Nigerian Army for its effort in fast tracking the return of peace in the state.
“I want to pay special tribute to the GOC 7 division of the Nigerian Army for his commitment in coming to Bama to stay with us and ensure that peace reign here.
“He was the one who liberated Mubi in Adamawa from the insurgents; we have witnessed great improvement in security since he moved in as the GOC,” he said.
Bama one of the communities hijacked by the insurgents was liberated last year by the Nigerian Army.