FG Slams State Of Emergency On Yobe, Borno, Adamawa …‘We Will Gun Down Terrorists Anywhere’

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday declared a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States to restore public order, safety and security in parts of the Northern part of the country.

Jonathan, who made the proclamation in a nationwide broadcast, said he acted in the exercise of the powers conferred on him by Section 305 (1) of the 1999 Constitution.

He directed the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Ibrahim, to immediately deploy more troops to the affected states for more effective internal security operations.

Jonathan also directed the troops and other security agencies involved to take necessary action, “within the ambit of their rules of engagement, to end the impunity of insurgents and terrorists in the states’’.

“‘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.’’

Jonathan said the emergency rule include the authority to arrest and detain suspects and the taking of possession and control of any building or structure used for terrorism purposes.

He said the emergency rule would also include the lock-down of any area of terrorist operation, the conduct of searches, and the apprehension of persons in illegal possession of weapons.

Jonathan said that the details of the Proclamation would be transmitted to the National Assembly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

He, however, said that within the purview of the Proclamation, the governors and other political office holders in the affected states would continue to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.

“I urge 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 time possible.

“I am again approaching our neighbouring countries, through diplomatic channels, as done in the recent past, for their co-operation in apprehending any terrorist element that may escape across the border,’’ Jonathan said.

He re-assured Nigerians that those directly or indirectly encouraging any form of rebellion against the nation, their collaborators, the insurgents and terrorists would be hunted down.

The president recalled the recent spate of terrorist activities and protracted security challenges particularly in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Plateau, Bayelsa, Taraba, Benue and Nasarawa states.

He noted that the unfortunate events had led to needless loss of lives and property of many innocent Nigerians including members of 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,’’ he said.

He said the rebellion and insurgency by the terrorist groups posed 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,’’ Jonathan said.

The president said that the government had a duty to stand firm against those who threatened the sovereign integrity of the Nigerian state.

Rivers Deputy Governor, Engr Tele Ikuru (middle), addressing protesting women in Port Harcourt, yesterday.