A Governor’s Lovely Birthday Tribute To His Predecessor

By Emmanuel Aziken

Some governors will go to any length to distance themselves from their predecessors. See how Governor Akinwunmi Ambode treated his predecessor, Babatunde Fashola and how he is also being treated by his own successor, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

In Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano poured scorn on Governor Peter Obi who delivered the state to him.

It is, however, a different story in Borno State where Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on Monday, went to social media to pay tribute to his predecessor, Senator Kashim Shettima who turned 53 years old today.

Zulum, in a message he personally distributed through social media platforms, called Shettima a mentor, with whom he has had “the greatest experiences” in life.

The Governor’s message began with a quote from Steven Spielberg which reads, “The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves”. 

Zulum thereafter addressed Shettima directly by saying,  “Your Excellency, my mentor;

Your Excellency, my mentor;

Knowing you, associating with you and working with you have been the greatest experiences of my life. Your Excellency, you are a different kind of mentor. 

What is particularly rare about your mentoring is that large heart to create for those who have earned your trust, the independence of being themselves and making decisions in trying to achieve the high developmental goals you set for them. 

Beyond being a mentor, you are a statesman, a passionate and selfless one at that, whose only focus at all times is the peace, progress and transformational growth of Borno state and our people.

We are pleased and proud to have gone through your immeasurable school of wisdom and we are more than determined to insha’Allah, build on the many good things you achieved despite the huge challenges you dealt with. 

Your vision is to see an aggressively developed Borno State and insha’Allah, we will do just that.

May Allah continue to keep you for us in good health, in strength, in continued wisdom and in undying faith”.

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