Boko Haram crisis not over yet, says Borno chief judge

The Chief Judge of Borno State, Justice Kashim Zannah yesterday said that Boko Haram insurgency is not yet over, despite the celebration of peace in the area.

Zannah stated this yesterday while delivering an address to mark the beginning of the 2017 Legal Year and valedictory court session for two retired High Court judges at the High Court in Maiduguri.

He said this is not the time for celebration, but rather a period to reflect on the Boko Haram insurgency which has been on since seven years.

According to him: “It would be a costly mistake for people to think they can return to their old ways and live happily. This is a time for reflections, not celebrations. It is time to roll up our sleeves, not rolling out the drums. It is not over. It cannot be over until it is over for our once proud and self-sustaining, but now pauperized brothers. It is not over until several widowed wives regain their charming smiles. It will not be over for anyone, until it is over for the thousands of orphaned children.”

He said the challenge of rebuilding the area, which had been devastated by many years of violence is for everyone.

“Our motto should be each one, help one. Help one person each. Let us admonish ourselves with the mantra: ‘I am not useless, I can help.’ Help with my wealth, help with my strength, help with my words, help in any way I can,” the chief judge advised.

The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kaka Shehu Lawan, said he was happy to address yesterday’s gathering being the first to be held in about six years in the state.