Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, said he abandoned the use of bulletproof cars as an act of sympathy with the suffering masses who had no means of self protection from terrorists.
Shettima stated this on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Maiduguri, Borno State.
He said the action was also aimed at showing that the terrorists had no super-natural powers.
“We have to dare the terrorists; I have bulletproof cars, but I do not use them; I want to be exposed to the elements as the ordinary people do,” Shettima said.
He said the bulletproof cars were only kept for the use of visitors who might be afraid to use ordinary cars.
“We have so many bulletproof cars but we only use them for our guests.
“Sometimes I drive myself round the town to see things for myself,” Shettima said.
He said with the gradual return of peace in the state, his government would unfold a developmental agenda soon.
“By the grace of God, we are poised for a great change. Believe me, in the next couple of months, you will see changes in the fortunes of the people of the state,” Shettima said.
He said the recent successes recorded by the military against Boko Haram terrorists had made the state capital a safe haven for all Nigerians
He said, “Maiduguri is more secure than even Lagos or Abuja.
“There are two million people living in Maiduguri; we celebrated Sallah without any incident.”
He said the government would take advantage of the Boko Haram crisis to ensure better welfare for the people.
“This crisis has accorded us the opportunity to merge small settlements and provide better infrastructure to uplift the living standard of the people.
“This is more especially for those living in remote communities,” Shettima said.
