Shettima expresses shock over steward’s suicide

By Joseph Inokotong, Abuja 

The former Governor of Borno state, Kashim Shettima, said he was shocked over the death of a government house steward, Mr John Achagwa, who committed suicide on Tuesday.

 Achagwa, a steward at the Presidential lodge of the Government House, Maiduguri, took his life by hanging himself on a tree.

 A statement issued by Mr Isa Gusau, Shettima”s Special Adviser on Communications and Strategy, said the governor was shocked by the unfortunate incident.

 “Shettima is deeply shocked by the unfortunate incident, given the fact that the deceased known to be one of the Governor’s favourites as he served important guests at the Presidential lodge for more than 30 years.

“When he retired from civil service; Shettima had requested him to be retained as casual staff because of his good service and the confidence reposed in him.

 ” The outgoing governor supported the deceased with personal funds which he used in completing his house at Polo in Maiduguri.

 “John also had a car to himself and he lived very comfortably. He was known to be friendly,” the statement said.

 According to him, the outgoing governor has directed the Commissioner of Police to ensure thorough investigation including a post mortem and inquiries to establish the reason for the suicide.