JONATHAN SEEKS EXTENSION OF EMERGENCY RULE IN THREE STATES BUT BORNO ELDERS DISAGREE
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday requested the National Assembly to extend emergency rule declared in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states to curb the spiral of violence by Boko Haram insurgents.
Jonathan's request was addressed to both the Senate President David Mark and Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and read in both chambers. He said although successes have been achieved since the declaration in May, the extension became necessary considering prevailing security challenges in the affected states. "As a result of the laudable efforts of our security agencies and the support of the citizens in the affected areas, we have achieved considerable successes in containing the activities of the terrorist elements. However, some security challenges still exist in a few parts."
He said the emergency in place now will expire on Tuesday and therefore requested that it be renewed for another six months however Borno elders yesterday rejected the renewal of emergency in the state for another six months.
The elders made their views known at the meeting with members of the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue which was held yesterday, at the state secretariat in Maiduguri.
Members of the Elders Forum include Dr. Shettima Ali Monguno, OFR, Imam Babagana Asil, the Imam Idaini of Borno, Alhaji Garba Abba Satomi, Alhaji Bukar Bolori, Alhaji Usman Gaji Galtimari, Alhaji Kyari Sandabe, Brig. General Abba Kyari (Rtd), Air Vice Marshal Al-Amin Daggash, Alhaji Shettima Ali Kidaji, Amb. Ahmed Yusufari, AIG Zanna Laminu Mamadi, (rtd), AIG Mukhtar Alkali, (rtd), Alhaji Tijjani Bolori, Alhaji Dr. Bulama Mali Gubio, Alhaji Umar Abba Shuwa, Alhaji Ibrahim El-Zubairu, Alhaji Ibrahim Mustapha and Alhaji Gambo Gubio.
In their presentation to the National Dialogue Committee which was read by Dr. Bulama Mali Gubio, the elders said, "For us in Borno and Yobe States, our immediate concern is not a national dialogue/conference in whatever form but rather, the ending of the continuing Boko Haram insurgency with its devastating effects on the lives of the people since 2009.
"The declaration of state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa with increased presence of security agencies particularly that of the military has not completely scotched the destruction of lives and properties in Borno State.
"Our situation would have been much more disastrous if not for the emergence of the civilian JTF made up of Borno youth who emerged at a point in time when the security agencies appeared helpless to put the out the insurgency. The civilian JTF is a product of desperation on the part of the youth and we thank Allah for their coming to up the challenge of the Boko Haram," the elders said.
The Borno State government is yet to say anything on the decision of the president to extend the state of emergency but residents differ in their views on the development.
Mary Itan, a school teacher in Maiduguri said the president should back the state of emergency with a martial plan.
"Life has been hectic, boring and extremely difficult but," she said.
A lawyer who does not want his name named said the state of emergency has exhausted its essence.
"Yes, there is peace in Maiduguri but almost all communities outside the state capital are in distress. They are under constant attacks by insurgents as such people should be allowed to live a normal life and defend themselves. Mobile network services should be restored," he said.
Credit - Daily Trust 08/11/2013