By Abdullahi Isah, Maiduguri.
Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state’s Chief Steward, Mr. John Achagwa, has committed suicide at the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Maiduguri,, few hours before the May 29, 2019 handing over of power to Governor-Elect, Professor Babagana Zulum..
Achagwa, who killed himself by hanging on a Neem tree, was said to have greeted his colleagues at the Lodge at about 1;44 pm on Tuesday before he went back and climbed a tree behind the lodge and hanged himself.
A close associate of the late Achagwa said the deceased had been complaining about the attitude of his daughter, adding that the late Steward had been saying “this girl will kill me.”
Achagwa’s friend said “he came and asked me to delete someone’s number from his phone. I told him I don’t know how to delete it. He left angrily, only for me to hear that he has hanged himself, after a few minutes.”
Mr. Achagwa, who retired from the civil service about three years ago was retained by the governor due to the exceptional delicacies he was reputed for. He was also said to have been promised to be appointed Village Head of Dille, Askira Uba local government area before the incident.
Other sources at the Government House were of the opinion that the suicide may not be unconnected with the non-payment of his retirement benefits and gratuity, as he had been expecting that he will be given his gratuity before the end of Shettima’s tenure.
When our Correspondent visited the Government House, Maiduguri, people were seen trooping to the Presidential Lodge, where security operatives and Fire Service personnel were seen trying to bring down his corpse from the tree top..
Confirming the incident, the Borno state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Aliyu Ndastus said the cause of the suicide has not been ascertained, as it could be a family problem or problem with colleagues or friends.
“The late John is living comfortably. He has houses and cars. He retired some time ago but the Governor reengaged him and is paying him handsomely. The incident cannot be associated with poverty. May be he has family problem or problem with friends and colleagues. We are investigating the matter, we have met with his family, friends and colleagues,” the CP added, pointing out that they had deposited his remains in the hospital. “We are investigating. As soon as we are through, we will let you know,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Borno state Governir Hon. Kashim Shettima has expressed shock at the tragedy and is wondering what kind of depression could have push Achagwa to take his own life in the Government House.
Achagwa was generally known to live comfortably. He was said to have been supported by Governor Shettima to complete a seven bedroom apartment and was also given a car which he used to come to work.
The Governor’s Special Adviser on Communications and Strategy, Malam Isa Gusau said in a statement that “Governor Kashim Shettima is deeply shocked by the unfortunate incident especially given the fact that John who looked in his mid 60s was publicly known to be one of the Governor’s favourites as he served important guests at the Presidential Lodge for more than 30 years.
“When John retired from the civil service, Governor Shettima had requested that he be retained as casual staff because of his good services and the confidence in him. The Governor even supported John with personal funds which he used in completing his beautiful house at a good location like Polo in Maiduguri. John also had a car to himself and he lived very comfortably. He was known to be friendly,” the statement further said
Malam Gusau said the Governor has since directed the Commissioner of Police to ensure thorough investigation of the matter including carrying out a post mortem on his corpse and asking necessary questions to establish what pushed him to take his own life.
The spokesman said the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Aliyu was earlier at the scene of the incident, which was a garden around the Presidential Lodge. The CP also confirmed to journalists that from police preliminary investigations, John lived a comfortable life but that the police was determined to investigate the incident thoroughly to establish the possible cause of the depression that pushed him to take his own life.
