The Ministry for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, which supervises chairmen of the 27 local government areas in Borno State, has described the arrest of the Chairman of Mafa council, Shettima Lawan Mafa, as a “a very worrisome twist”.
Mafa was at the weekend arrested for his alleged connection with the Boko Haram insurgency.
It noted that contrary to media reports, the chairman wasn’t arrested but reported himself to the military.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Usman Ali Zanna, however said the ministry neither questioned the judgment and authority of the military nor exonerated Mafa of any wrongdoing so as not to pre-empt the outcome of ongoing investigation.
He said: “If not because of media reports on this matter, the ministry would not have said anything because the matter is being investigated. But this statement has become necessary in order to put some records straight.
“First of all, contrary to reports, the chairman in question was not arrested but reported himself to the military command after he got information that he was needed by the military.
“Secondly, contrary to reports that Mafa was arrested at the 1,000 housing estate on Maiduguri-Damaturu road, there was never any issue at the estate. Mafa lives at 505 housing estate located on Dikwa and Mafa road.
“The chairman actually reported himself to the military last week and was detained pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.
“This development is a worrisome twist. It is a twist because, for years, Mafa has been known for his courage in joining hunters in the fight against Boko Haram insurgents. His commitment in the fight against terrorism is known to army commanders who have served in Mafa in the last two years. The like of Major Manga can bear testimony to this and it is mainly due to his passion that he was reappointed caretaker Chairman of Mafa.
“We assure citizens of the 27 council areas; other concerned Nigerians and the international community that we are usually very thorough in identifying those appointed, either as local government chairmen, ward councillors, traditional rulers, vigilantes and members of the Civilian JTF deployed in the 27 councils.
“As can be confirmed by security agencies, we do not engage any youth as vigilance members or in the Civilian JTF, unless he or she is verified by the Department of State Services (DSS).
“We anxiously look forward to the outcome of the investigation while we shall abide by Governor Kashim Shettima’s stand that anyone found having any connection with insurgents is an enemy of Borno State and its people.”
