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  • Senate endorses emergency rule in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa

    Senate endorses emergency rule in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa

    The Senate yesterday unanimously endorsed the Presidents’ proclamation of state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

    Though there was no debate by Senators, the deal to approve Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s contentious action in the three northeast states was sealed at a closed session of the upper chamber that lasted about one hour.

    Senate President David Mark announced conclusions and decisions reached in the closed session.

    After laying what could be called the background to the state of emergency, Mark announced that “at the end of the day, we would like to support the Federal Government in this proclamation of state of emergency in the three states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.”

    The seeming tension in the Senate gallery evaporated immediately Mark declared the support of the upper chamber for the proclamation.

    He noted that the lawmakers were conscious of the fact that there was mayhem in the troubled states.

    The Senate President noted that 100 of the 109 senators approved the proclamation.

    He said the summary of their discussion was the fact that the democratic structures in the states would remain in place.

    Mark said: “We want to emphasise very emphatically that all the democratic structures must be left in place and must be allowed to operate fully and actively and they must also be involved in all the efforts that the Federal Government is putting up to bring this ugly situation to an end.

    “We also would like to emphasise that the Armed Forces are issued a proper code of conduct where they are humane and benevolent and make sure that all citizens are treated with utmost respect so that they do not lose their respect as human beings.”

    Mark said the Senate stressed the need to fund the operations adequately, and provide relief and all medical materials “as quickly as possible”.

    To the Boko Haram insurgents and “terrorists”, a plea was sent.

    “It is still not too late to cooperate with the forces that are there in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe so that we can bring this to a logical conclusion as quickly as possible,” Mark said.

    “We must emphasise that at the end of the day, a military solution is not the final solution to the problem on ground; it is to win the minds and hearts of the citizens in the states that are affected and indeed, in the whole country that we see a final solution to the problem as we see it today.

    Besides, he stressed the need for an enduring solution, saying: “We believe that when the whole military operation is over, that the Federal Government will ensure that development gets to these areas as quickly as possible.

    “We implore the Federal Government to use the carrot and stick policy to ensure that this is brought to a logical conclusion as quickly as possible,” Mark said.

    “Mark asked whether what he announced is the true reflection of what happened in the close session.

    There was a thunderous “yes” by Senators.

    The Senate President added that the Federal Government’s measure was aimed at bringing normalcy to the affected states “because the situation was completely out of control in some of the local governments where the insurgents and the terrorists hoisted their own flags, were collecting tax and were running a government as if they were not part and parcel of the country. That is totally unacceptable.

    “We were a total of 100 senators seated today. So, we have only nine Senators who were out on essential duties.

    “Our requirement to pass this is 72.”

    Chairman, Senate Committee on information, Media and Public Affairs, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, at a news conference, said the Senate adopted the voice vote method to approve the proclamation to protect some Senators from possible harm from some misinformed people.

    Abaribe noted the Senate rule empowered them to regulate their conduct as necessary.

    He said: “We looked at the whole situation and we believe that we should protect some of our colleagues from any harm from some people who are misinformed.”

    He noted that it was obvious to all Senators that “we should first have a corporate entity called Nigeria before any other consideration”.

    Abaribe also said that the Senate had not received any request for additional funds for enforcement of the state of emergency.

    He said that if such a request was made, it would be considered.

    The leadership of the Senate, led Mark, entered the Chamber by 11.10 am.

    After initial pleasantries, Mark proceeded to say the prayer for the day’s business to begin.

    Senator Victor Lar (Plateau South) moved for the adoption of the votes and proceedings May 16.

    He was seconded by Senator Atai Idoko (Kogi East).

    There was a single item on the Order Paper entitled “Motion: State of the Nation” slated against the name of the Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba.

    Mark read a letter from Mr. President containing a gazetted copy of the state of emergency proclamation 2013 for necessary action by the Senate.

    The letter has two items-the declaration of state of emergency in three states, Borno, Yobe and Adamawa and the retention of the administrative structures in the states.

    President Goodluck Jonathan requested the Senate to accord the memo expeditious consideration.

    Ndoma-Egba moved that the Senate should go into a closed session to consider the presidential memo.

    He was supported by the Minority Leader, Senator George Akume.

    Visitors who swarmed the Senate gallery in their numbers were shut out by 11.36 for the commencement of closed session on emergency proclamation.

  • Yobe JTF warns hawkers, beggars

    hawking and begging around security checkpoints must stop, the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Yobe State warned yesterday.

    In a statement in Damaturu, the state capital, by its spokesman, Lt. Lazarus Eli, the task force urged hawkers and beggars to avoid getting close to security checkpoints across the state.

    The statement reads: “The Joint Task Force wishes to appeal to beggars and hawkers around security checkpoints in Yobe State to desist from such trade.”

    The statement warned that anybody who violates the warning found trading around check points will be arrested and prosecuted.”

     

  • QUOTES OF THE DAY

    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.

  • State of Emergency:House yet to receive details

    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.

  • Massive troops deployment in Adamawa, Yobe, Borno

    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.”

  • SANs disagree on non-suspension of governors

    SANs disagree on non-suspension of governors

    Should the governors of Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states have been suspended following a declaration of a state of emergency?

    Three Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) yesterday disagreed on whether President Goodluck Jonathan should have appointed interim administrators.

    Malam Yusuf Ali and Chief Emeka Ngige said the President was right not to remove the governors.

    But the Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Prof. Imran Smith, also a SAN, said it would have made more sense to suspend the governors since an emergency rule implies the central control of a state.

    Ali said: “The President was properly advised not to appoint administrators for the states. The failure of security in any part of Nigeria is the failure of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

    “The governors don’t control the security apparatus of the country. So, it would have been invidious to punish them for failure of security.”

    Ngige said removal of the governors was “absolutely unnecessary” as the 1999 Constitution did not permit that.

    “It was during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration that the then Federal Government in the guise of political violence sponsored by the same government, purported to remove some democratically- elected governors along their state houses of assembly. That era is better forgotten.

    “The current governors in the Northeast did not cause the insurrection or the insurgency, so why remove them?

    “It would have been politically disastrous for democratic structures to be demolished because of the insurgency. The President needs the cooperation and assistance of the governors in the fight against terrorism.

    “The President did the right in not removing the governors or pulling down the democratic structures in the affected states,” he said.

  • Yobe pledges support for emergency rule

    Yobe pledges support for emergency rule

    Yobe State Government on Wednesday said that it would work with the security agencies to restore peace and security following the  emergency rule declared in the state.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Alhaji Abdullahi Bego, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Information.

    President Goodluck Jonathan, in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, declared a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, following  increased terrorists’ activities, which claimed many lives and  property.

    The statement said: “Yobe Government agrees with President Goodluck Jonathan on the need to take more effective measures to address the problem of insecurity in the country.

    “Yobe Government will continue to work closely with the security agents and will ensure that their conduct reflects the spirit of the emergency declaration by Mr. President and the rules of engagement specified for that purpose.”

    It called on the public to continue with their usual support and cooperation with security agents, “which proved critical in bringing about the relative peace enjoyed in the state in the past months”.

    It also urged members of the public to go about their normal and legitimate businesses and to report suspicious movements in their areas to security agents.

    The state government gave the assurance that it would remain focused and committed to the ongoing task of transforming the state through provision “of the much-needed social services.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria  reports that Damaturu residents are going about their normal businesses.

    They also expressed gratitude to God, the government and the security agencies for the relative peace enjoyed in the state.

    Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said that the beginning of the end of insurgency had begun with President Jonathan’s declaration of state of emergency in the troubled states.

    Reacting to the development, Chief Olatunji Shelle, the Lagos State Chairman of PDP, told NAN that the president’s action displayed absolute wisdom and perfect understanding of the situation.

    He said: “This is superlative and highly commendable outing by the president; all the enemies of Nigeria will be dumbfounded.”

     

  • Emergency rule begins in Yobe, Borno, Adamawa

    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.”

     

  • Yobe okays action

    Yobe, one of the three states now under emergency declaration, last night welcomed the presidential action.

    A statement by media adviser to the Governor Mr Abdullahi Bego, quoted Governor Ibrahim Gaidam as saying that the decision is meant to effectively address insecurity.

    He advised the people to go about their lawful duties

  • Jonathan declares emergency rule in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa

    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.”