… says ‘ he’s the most honest, transparent, incorruptible politician’
Former Borno State governor, Senator Kashim Shettima, has given reasons for his choice of incumbent, Governor Muhammad Zulum as his successor in 2015.
Shettima recalled that Governor Zulum, on several occasions, proved to him that he was the most transparent and honest politician in the state, who could succeed him in office.
He described the incumbent Borno State governor as a man who had not allowed the vanities of life, greed and the perquisites of public office to influence or corrupt him in any way.
The former governor said Zulum’s transparency and honesty on two different occasions that he appointed him under his administration in the state, convinced him that the university professor should succeed him as the governor of the state.
Shettima further stated that the incorruptible stance, accountability, honesty and selflessness exhibited by Zulum even while he held public offices through which he could have made money for himself, endeared him to the varsity don.
The Senator also disclosed that no fewer than 32 politicians in the state were scheming to succeed him as governor, but Zulum, at first, declined when he offered him the number one political office in the state.
According to Shettima, “Governor Zulum’s problem is not money.
“I appointed him as Rector Borno State College of Agric; he did not build a house of his own.
“I appointed him as Borno State Commissioner for Reconstruction, which l allocated 20billion Naira to construct houses for lDPs. Zulum did not build his house but was still staying in his family house in Maiduguri.
“I was so shocked that l paid him an unscheduled visit only to confirm it was true.
“I made up my mind that day that he was going to replace me but I never informed him.
“32 Borno State APC members wanted to succeed me in office; l was just laughing Knowing fully well that l had already chosen the most corruption free politician l have ever seen.
Shettima further recalled, “I brought the idea of him succeeding me; he vehemently rejected it and traveled out to Mecca.
“He came back; l asked him again only for him to tell me he did not have money to purchase even Governorship form, not to talk of campaigns.
“I personally purchased his nomination form and provided funds for his campaigns.
“Today l’m happy because l gave Borno State the best Governor ever.”