Mixed reactions have greeted the subtle move by the Borno State governor, Alhaji Kashim shettima to elevate Gwoza Emirate Council to a first class status.
The move, a cross section believe, is part of Shettima’s preparation for a second term.
It was gathered that since the emirate was ignored by former Governor, Ali Modu Sherriff, now Shettima’s politica; foe, an upgrade to first class status, would make the emir and his subjects line up behind Shettima in 2015.
Even though, no official statement have been issued in that regard, observers are of the opinion that the recent visit by the governor to the Palace of His Royal Highness the Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Shehu Idrissa Timta, is geared towards upgrading the status of the present second class emirate.
According to a source “This move became suspicious when governor Shettima told the emir at his Palace that he had a very good news for him but didnt tell him but simply said the news will make him happy’
Not sooner that the statement was made, sources close to the governor said their boss was already planing to upgrade the emirate to a first class status just as it was done in the case of Askira Emirate in 2007 by his predecessor Ali Modu Sheriff
But another school believe that there is more to the intended upgrading of the emirate than meet the eyes, especially as it relates to the some statements uttered by the governor at the emir’s palace.
The governor had openly criticised his predecessor Ali Sheriff for not giving the emirate the desired attention. “We want to apologise to the good people of Gwoza Emirate for not being fair to them in the past. This administration is set to make amends, besides, your royal highness, I have a good news for you, but I will not tell you now; this news will make you happy” Shettima said in Gwoza recently
The visibly elated Emir did not mince words when he hurriedly assured the governor of his support towards 2015 general election.
As it stands, most people now view the intention of the governor to patronise the royal father as deliberate step to spite his former boss ex governor Sheriff, this is because according to them the former governor had been engaged in a cold war with the emir who he (Sheriff) had openly accused of backing the leading opposition party in the state- the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Sheriff had during his last visit to Gwoza during the last electioneering campaign told the emir that whether he liked or not , the the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) which he belongs, will win the 2011 gubernatorial election.
Pointblanknews.com reliably gathered that Shettima is on a serious mission to put together a formidable alliance of people who were once regarded as enemies of Ali Sheriff with a view to having the desired support for his second term bid in 2015.