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Tag: Adamawa

Reps okay emergency rule in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa

No fewer than 253 members of the House of Representatives were yesterday locked in a closed session for over three hours as they debated the state of emergency rule imposed on Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states by President Goodluck Jonathan.

At the end of the session, the House passed the proposed Emergency Powers Bill sent to the National Assembly by the President but with extensive modification mainly to focus the mind of the President on security and not administrative issues.

The lawmakers also barred the President from utilising the funds of the states as he had proposed in the Emergency Powers bill sent to the National, Assembly and cautioned the military personnel deployed in the three states to protect innocent citizens.

The House also sought to get the President to transmit within seven days of the proclamation of such an order to the two chambers of the National Assembly.

According to the House, the refusal of the National Assembly shall nullify such an order.

Noting that the Senate may have passed the bill with variations, the Speaker of the House, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal set up a six-man conference committee.

They are: Albert Sam-Tsokwa, Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Ali Ahmed, Chairman House Committee on justice, Aminu Shagari, Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Nkoyo Toyo, Ben Nwankwo and Nathaniel Agunbiade.

The House had to suspend its standing rules to adopt its proceedings of yesterday.

The House made modification to the proposed bill. It amended three out of the seven clauses in the regulation.

While considering sections that touched on the administration of the states under emergency rule (Clause 2), the lawmakers amended the clause to state that anyone authorized by the President may act on his behalf to administer the areas under emergency rule “ as long as it is in line with peace, order and security”.

They, however, curbed the powers of the President in Clause 2(1), which states that: “ A state governor in an emergency area shall continue with the general function of administering the emergency area”, but deleted “under the control of the President or any person designated or authorized to act on his behalf”.

Members amended Clause 3 and stated that though the President may give directive to a Governor or a local Government Chairman directly or through his designate or a duly authorized person, it must, however, be with respect to “ peace, order and security”.

In the power of the President to make orders, the house deleted “good governance” from Clause 3(1), which now reads “the President may make such an order as appears to him to be necessary or expedient for the purpose of maintaining and securing peace, public order and public safety in the emergency areas”.

The lawmakers also altered Clause 3(2a), which states that the power of the President allows him to “ make provision for the detention of any person either within the emergency area”, as well as “ removal and exclusion of any person from the emergency area.” they deleted “or elsewhere”, arguing that the powers should be limited to only the affected areas.

The House deleted 3(2e) which says the President can “ provide for the utilisation of the funds of any State or Local Government in the emergency area.

They also altered Clause 5 to read “within 7 days” instead of “ a reasonable time”, for the President to transmit an order to the National Assembly after it had been made under the regulation.

When Speaker Aminu Tambuwal called for a vote on the amended regulation, it was overwhelmingly supported by all members.

Tambuwal, rounding off the session, said the House took its decisions in the interest of democracy.

He said the military should respect the rights of law abiding citizens in the affected states.

“They should try as much as possible to look after the rights of those who are not involved in the wanton destruction of lives and property. The should do what the constitution of the country urges them to do, which is the protection of lives and property.”

He urged the terrorists to take advantage of the government’s amnesty proposal.

“I am sure government is willing and ready to accept whoever is willing to come out and drop his arms. Please, we are all Nigerians and we should continue to respect each other’s lives. I commend the House because what we have done was in the interest of our democracy.”

Pally Iriase (ACN, Edo) told The Nation why the lower chamber took so long to consider the bill.

He said: “We had to go through both the Proclamation and Emergency power regulations meticulously in order to bring them in consonance with good democratic practices and to assuage the fear of the possibility of introducing hawkish partisan political under the guise of emergency declaration.

“We are in support of the the need to give powers that are needed by the Armed Forces to curb the menace of terrorism and insurgency. We are ready for this menace to be dealt with, but not to be used for any other thing”.

Sources said that one of the most contentious issues was the length of the emergency rule. Members were wary that the President may extend the emergency rule beyond three months, thereby imposing an unnecessarily long period of hardship on the citizens of the three states.

Some members were said to have expressed the fear that emergency rule might become in itself a means to an end and that it may be a tool of oppression in the hands of a government desperate to capture states by all means.

May 22, 2013
STATE OF EMERGENCY Women’s League Board gives Adamawa 24-hour ultimatum

•Over security issues

ADAMAWA Football Association on Monday received a letter from soccer authorities over security concerns in the state.

The Nigeria Women’s League Board is demanding for adequate security for its forthcoming matches.

A letter signed by the league’s secretary, Isaac Ajisafe, has given the FA uptill Wednesday May 22 to respond to its request.

The call for proper security became necessary following the resumption of the second stanza of the women’s league across the country this weekend.

Most importantly the emergency rule declared by President Goodluck Jonathan last week following the spate of killings in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

“Further to this, we wish to draw your attention to the last nationwide broadcast of President Goodluck Jonathan declaring State of Emergency in three states including Adamawa.

“It is in view of the above declaration that we write to request you to kindly forward to us as a matter of urgency a written confirmation that adequate security will be provided for players and officials of both the home and away teams before, during and after the NWFL matches in Adamawa State,” part of the release read.

One match that may be affected is that between Adamawa Queens and Delta Queens scheduled for May 25.

“If we do not hear anything from them by Wednesday, we would have to shift the match and if after five days there is still nothing from FA, then the board will take a decision,”Ajisafe told SportingLife.

Both Delta Queens and Adamawa are in Group A of the league.

May 21, 2013
Why FG declared emergency rule in Adamawa – Minister

…Identifies proximity to Cameroon

.….Emergency to be lifted when normalcy returns

The Federal Government has given reason for the inclusion of Adamawa State in the proclamation of emergency rule in three northern states in the country.

The state proximity to Cameroon and the need for the military to have a wide area of coverage was said to be the reason for the inclusion of the state.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru, disclosed this during Friday’s meeting with foreign diplomats in the country.

The minister, however, assured that the state of emergency would be lifted immediately normalcy returned to the affected states.

Besides, he said the dialogue committees on peace would continue their work while the military action is also going on as part of multifaceted approach to arresting the situation.

He also allayed the diplomats’ fears on human right abuse, assuring them that the military would abide with their rules of engagement.

The minister said the military authorities would make public their rules of engagement in the troubled states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.

He further stressed that the state of emergency is to protect lives and property and to flush-out the insurgent.

He, however, said as part of the rule of engagement, the military would first give the insurgent the opportunity to surrender and where this fails, they would employ all military action.

Ambassador Ashiru assured the diplomats who would want to visit the areas of their safety, saying however that would have to be a protected visit.

He advised those wishing to visit the areas to get clearance from the ministry and the defence ministry.

May 17, 2013
QUOTES OF THE DAY

“There is nothing new in the President’s action. It is more of the same: deployment of more troops to the affected states and the use of tougher, scorched-earth tactics against the insurgents. In the first instance, this stepped-up militarization of the states amounts to an asymmetric use of force in an environment where the insurgents operate within a civilian population, hence it will ultimately be counter-productive as the death toll will continue to mount while the civilian population – who will be caught in the cross fire – will be alienated”.

Action Congress of Nigeria on President Jonathan declaration of Emergency rule in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa state.

May 16, 2013
State of Emergency:House yet to receive details

Forty-Eight hours after the declaration of state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, President Goodluck Jonathan has not sent the details to the National Assembly.

Deputy House Spokesman, Victor Ogene, at a media briefing said the president has not violated the constitution.

May 16, 2013
Massive troops deployment in Adamawa, Yobe, Borno

Troops moved into cities in the Northeast yesterday to enforce President Goodluck Jonathan’s emergency rule declaration.

Residents were frightened by the sight of many army trucks carrying soldiers into Yola and Maiduguri. Borno, Adamawa and Yobe are now under emergency rule, following attacks by militants of the Boko Haram group.

A Reuters reporter saw six trucks carrying soldiers enter Yola, the capital of Adamawa State. In the Borno State capital, Maiduguri, the biggest city in the area and birthplace of the insurgency, residents also reported an influx of troops.

The mood was tense in the city. Shops were mostly shut and there were few people on the streets. Schools were closed.

Residents were worried that the 9pm to 6am curfew in place may be extended.

“What I saw this morning scared me,” said Maiduguri resident Ahmed Mari. “I have never seen soldiers on the move quite like this before.”

Another, Kabir Laoye, said he was scared that civilians could be caught up in the conflict: “There is a lot of apprehension about the state of emergency,” he said.

Some state government officials doubted the state of emergency would work unless security forces can win popular support.

“This state of emergency will not change anything if the people do not cooperate and start exposing members of Boko Haram,” said David John, a director in the state government.

President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered the Nigerian Armed Forces to take over the patrol of the nation’s borders.

The main thrust of the patrol is to track down criminal elements within the vicinity of border communities prone to terrorist activities.

A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade, yesterday said the troops were made up of the Armed Forces, the police and other security agencies.

Gen. Olukolade added that the troops would also focus on every suspected terrorist enclave and cell in the various border communities.

The statement reads: “In furtherance of the Commander-in-Chief’s directive, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police and other security agencies have commenced operations to rid the nation’s border territories of terrorist bases and activities.

“The operations, which will involve massive deployment of men and resources, is aimed at asserting the nation’s territorial integrity and enhancing the security of constituted governmental structures in all territories within Nigeria’s borders.

“The operational plans have also briefed participating troops appropriately on arrests, cordon and search, especially directed at apprehending those who have been violating sovereignty of Nigeria through terrorist training for insurgency and related activities.

“The operation is expected to put an end to insurgent activities in these parts of the country.

The Defence Headquarters said measures had been put in place to ensure the safety of civilians and non-combatants while the operation lasts.

The authorities of the Armed Forces enjoined communities in the border areas to cooperate with troops and give information on criminal and terrorist activities.

They are also enjoined to report suspicious activities or movements in their various localities, they said, stressing that the operation is intended to safeguard the nation’s interests and citizens in all parts of the federation.

Borno Governor Kashim Shettima backed the imposition of a state of emergency on his state.

He begged residents to avoid being caught by the strange rules.

He also warned the military to operate under the rules of engagement so that innocent lives and their properties are protected.

Shettima, in a broadcast, pleaded with Boko Haram to accept dialogue offer by the Federal Government.

He said: “Fellow citizens, as you may be aware, the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has in exercise of his constitutional powers, declared a state of emergency in our dear State, following the spate of killings and destruction of properties, that have pervaded us.

“It is the constitutional responsibility of the President to take such measures. It is also the duty of any responsible state government, to support lawful efforts that would guarantee the security of lives and properties.

“ It can never be the wish of any guarded democratic government to have the military directly involved in the affairs of any federating unit, except for unfortunate and painful causes.

“As the military leaders have said in discourses, the armoury of the Nigerian soldiers is not meant to fight fellow Nigerians; the armoury is meant to protect fellow Nigerians.

“A human life is sacred, more so, the life of every good Nigerian, no matter whose it is; and we all have moral, spiritual and social obligations to preserve and respect the lives of one another as we would want ours to be so preserved and respected. Allah has said emphatically in the Holy Quran that he has dignified every human being, He has placed high premium on the sacredness of human lives and as His dignified creatures; we should obediently respect the lives of fellow creatures.

“Let us be our brothers’ keepers, hold our arms in the true Borno spirit that we were hitherto known for, so that we rise together as one people with shared passion for our collective progress.

“We are facing a trying time that I believe without blind optimism, that we will overcome in no distant time bi iznillah.”

The governor urged the people to avoid being caught by the strange rules of emergency situation.

He added: “A period of state of emergency is that which comes with rules that are different from those that guide our day-to-day lives. We must, therefore, take personal steps as citizens, to avoid being caught by the strange rules.

“I have directed the State Ministry of Home Affairs, Information and Culture to work out public safety enlightenment programmes that should be regularly featured on the Borno State Television and Radio while I urge our partners and friends in other media organisations resident in the state to help in educating citizens on public conducts at this different time that we face together.

“Let me use this opportunity to importantly urge the military who are fellow Nigerians like all of us, to abide by the directive of Mr President in operating under the rules of engagement so that innocent lives and their properties are jealously preserved and protected.

“As time passes, we shall, as a government, remain focused in our abiding fate and commitment to improve the welfare of all citizens through quality governance.”

He appealed to Boko Haram to sheathe its sword by embracing dialogue being offered by President Jonathan.

He said: “I will seize this opportunity for the umpteenth time, to call on our brothers in the Jama’atu ahliss Sunnah lil Da’awatu wal Jihad to embrace dialogue so that we can solve this problem on the table through collective bargaining, offers and compromises.

“I am glad to note that the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution, is still working round the clock as also emphasized by the President. I believe like I have always said since 2011, that by the end of the day, dialogue will be the last and sustainable resort. Let us embrace the spirit of live and let’s live.”

The governor admitted that he has been grieving over the situation in Borno State.

He said: “Dear fellow citizens, I address you today with heavy heart and grief. I join you in mourning your families, friends and other loved ones who may have lost their lives to the security challenges that we face in Borno State; I commiserate with you for the injuries, you or your loved ones may have suffered and for the properties you may have lost as we are confronted with a nightmare that has haunted us for far too long.

“I am usually thrown into emotional torture any time a life is lost in Borno, especially by man-made brutality, because as your governor, I am under obligation, constitutional and moral, to ensure your safety.

“As your leader, I consider myself a father to all orphans, a brother and friend to everyone of you, a son to every parent and a member of every family in Borno State, regardless of religion, tribe and geo-political affiliation.

“I share in your moments of despair more than you can ever imagine because regardless of the intrinsic worth of any programme and projects put in place by any government, however laudable, a citizen has to be alive or safe to enjoy the benefits of such programme or project.

“ Therefore, the most important role of any responsible government is the security of lives and properties.”

Kashim unfolded plans to come out with social package which would address the mass poverty breeding crises in the state.

He said: “May I also add at the risk of sounding repetitive, that the best way to fight crime is to provide jobs through integrated agriculture and other industrial growth.

“We are very conscious of the fact that there is mass poverty and unemployment and as you may have confirmed from our ongoing programmes across the State, we are creating jobs and we will continue to do.

“I urge you to fervently pray for the return of peace in our dear Borno State and in all other parts of Nigeria, to pave the way for rapid recovery and the socio-economic transformation that we so desperately seek to put in place as a government.

“I thank you so much for your support and wish every one of you, Allah’s guidance and protection.”

May 16, 2013
Emergency rule begins in Yobe, Borno, Adamawa

Governors, legislators remain

CAN chief killed

The President talked tough last night on the crippling insecurity in the country, especially in some parts of the North. Terrorists, he said, will be hunted down and defeated.

Dr Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in three Northeast states – Borno, Yobe and Adamawa –where killings, mostly by Boko Haram insurgents, have persisted. He addressed the nation in a 15-minute broadcast.

The President exhibited a tough mien during the speech, saying the activities of insurgents amounted to “a declaration of war” on the country.

But he spared the democratic institutions in the states. The executive, the legislature and the judiciary will continue to function.

Jonathan said he based his action on Section 305 (1) of the Constitution. He got support from some eminent lawyers, lawmakers and political leaders, who said he acted within the law.

Minutes after the presidential speech last night, the Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Borno State, Rev. Faye Pama Musa, was shot dead. He was killed inside his Maiduguri home by people suspected to be members of the Boko Haram.

The head pastor of a pentecostal church in Maiduguri was trailed to his GRA residence by two gunmen who shot him at close range at about 7.30pm.

House of Representatives spokesman Zakari Mohammed said the lawmakers would back the action “as long as it will guarantee peace and security.”

Others, however, criticised the presidential action as “half hearted”. It is not likely to end the insurgency which has crippled economic and social activities in the affected states — in their view.

Before making the announcement, the President early yesterday met with the governors of Borno and Yobe states at the Presidential Villa. He also hosted the Boko Haram Amnesty Committee members.

On Monday, Dr. Jonathan met with security chiefs, led by Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim, for the second time in 72 hours, perhaps to perfect the emergency plan.

Governors on Monday cautioned the President against declaring a state of emergency in the states, echoing the position of opposition parties –the Action Congress of Nigeria (AC N) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

The President warned the terrorists that the government would use all resources at its disposal to destroy their activities as they are embarking on a war they cannot win.

While giving the military powers to deploy more troops in the affected states and arrest suspects, he said the declaration would not affect the functions of the governors and other public officers as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.

He said details of the Proclamation would be transmitted to the National Assembly, in line with the provisions of the Constitution.

He said: “It has become necessary for me to address you on the recent spate of terrorist activities and protracted security challenges in some parts of the country, particularly in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Plateau and, most recently, Bayelsa, Taraba, Benue and Nasarawa states.

“These unfortunate events have led to needless loss of lives and property of many innocent Nigerians, including members of our security forces.

“The recent killing of security operatives by a cult group in Nasarawa State is particularly condemnable. I have directed that no effort or expense be spared in identifying and bringing to justice all those who had a hand in the killing of the operatives.”

“The activities of insurgents and terrorists have been reprehensible, causing fear among our citizens and a near-breakdown of law and order in parts of the country, especially the North. We have taken robust steps to unravel and address the root causes of these crises, but it would appear that there is a systematic effort by insurgents and terrorists to destabilise the Nigerian state and test our collective resolve.”

“Since I returned to the country after cutting short my visit to South Africa and aborting a planned state visit to Namibia, I have received detailed briefings from our security agencies. These briefings indicate that what we are facing is not just militancy or criminality, but a rebellion and insurgency by terrorist groups which pose a very serious threat to national unity and territorial integrity. Already, some northern parts of Borno State have been taken over by groups whose allegiance is to different flags and ideologies.

“These terrorists and insurgents seem determined to establish control and authority over parts of our beloved nation and to progressively overwhelm the rest of the country. In many places, they have destroyed the Nigerian flag and other symbols of state authority and in their place, hoisted strange flags suggesting the exercise of alternative sovereignty.

“They have attacked government buildings and facilities. They have murdered innocent citizens and state officials. They have set houses ablaze, and taken women and children as hostages. These actions amount to a declaration of war and a deliberate attempt to undermine the authority of the Nigerian state and threaten her territorial integrity. As a responsible government, we will not tolerate this.

“Following recent developments in the affected states, it has become necessary for government to take extraordinary measures to restore normalcy. After wide consultations, and in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the provisions of Section 305, sub-section 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I hereby declare a State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.”

Explaining how the emergency will operate, he said: “The troops and other security agencies … have orders to take all necessary action, within the ambit of their rules of engagement, to put an end to the impunity of insurgents and terrorists.

“This will include the authority to arrest and detain suspects, the taking of possession and control of any building or structure used for terrorist purposes, the lock-down of any area of terrorist operation, the conduct of searches, and the apprehension of persons in illegal possession of weapons.”

Jonathan urged the political leadership in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states to co-operate maximally with the Armed Forces and the Police to ensure that the exercise succeeds. We call on the citizenry to co-operate with our security agencies to ensure a return to normalcy within the shortest possible time,” he said.

Sounding tough, the President added: “I want to reassure you all that those who are directly or indirectly encouraging any form of rebellion against the Nigerian state, and their collaborators; those insurgents and terrorists who take delight in killing our security operatives, whoever they may be, wherever they may go; we will hunt them down; we will fish them out; and we will bring them to justice. No matter what it takes, we will win this war against terror.

”I am convinced that with your support and prayers, we shall overcome these challenges and together, we will restore every part of our country to the path of peace, growth and development.”

May 15, 2013
Jonathan declares emergency rule in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa

Due to increasing insurgency, President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday declared Emergency rule in Borno, Yobe an Adamawa States.

In a nationwide television address, the President warned the terrorists that the government will use all resources at its disposal to destroy their activities as they are embarking on a war they cannot win.

While giving the military power to deploy more troops to the affected states, search and arrest any suspected individual, he said that the declaration will not affect the functions of the state governors and other public office holders as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.

Basing the declaration on Section 305 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, he said that details of the Proclamation will be transmitted to the National Assembly in line with the provisions of the Constitution.

He said: “It has become necessary for me to address you on the recent spate of terrorist activities and protracted security challenges in some parts of the country, particularly in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Plateau and most recently Bayelsa, Taraba, Benue and Nasarawa States. These unfortunate events have led to needless loss of lives and property of many innocent Nigerians including members of our security forces.

“The recent killing of security operatives by a cult group in Nasarawa State is particularly condemnable. I have directed that no effort or expense be spared in identifying and bringing to justice all those who had a hand in the killing of the operatives.

“The activities of insurgents and terrorists have been reprehensible, causing fear among our citizens and a near-breakdown of law and order in parts of the country, especially the North. We have taken robust steps to unravel and address the root causes of these crises, but it would appear that there is a systematic effort by insurgents and terrorists to destabilize the Nigerian state and test our collective resolve.”

May 14, 2013
Adamawa govt donates to Baga victims

The Adamawa Government on Monday donated N20 million to victims of last month’s military/terrorists clash in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno.

Governor Murtala Nyako made the donation during a courtesy visit on Gov. Kashim Shettima in Maiduguri.

Nayko described the incident as “unfortunate”, and said that the people of Adamawa were touched by the high casualty figure.

He said the money was aimed at providing succour to the victims through procurement of relief materials.

“I am here basically to condole with the government and people of Borno State over last month’s sad incident in Baga.

“My deep condolences go to the victims and their families and we pray this kind of thing never happen again,” Nyako said.

He commended Shettima on his efforts to implement developmental projects in spite of security challenges in the state.

Nyako expressed optimism that the problem of insecurity in the North would soon be over as the Governors Forum was working hard to redress the situation.

Shettima thanked Nyako and promised that the money would be used for the purpose intended.

May 7, 2013
10 killed in Adamawa church, market

Gunmen killed 10 people in an attack on a market and a church in Adamawa before fleeing over the border to Cameroon, police told Reuters on Monday.

The attack took place on Sunday in the farming village of Njilang, Adamawa State, near the border, an area that has become a haven for the Boko Haram sect.

“The gunmen opened fire in the village market, killing six persons, then proceeded to the church and opened fire there too, killing four more,” Adamawa State police spokesman Mohammed Ibrahim said by telephone.

Nine others were being treated in hospital for wounds.

Ibrahim did not know who the culprits were. Although much of northeast Nigeria is plagued by Islamist militants, criminal gangs and ethnic militias also operate there.

The Boko Haram sect and offshoots such as the al Qaeda-linked Ansaru, as well as criminal networks, are seen as the main threat to stability in Nigeria. Its favorite targets have been churches, security forces and moderate Islamic clerics.

May 6, 2013