Northern governors support state of emergency

The Northern State Governors’ Forum on Saturday in Minna, Niger State said it was in support of the state of emergency rule imposed on Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States in the North-East.
The Forum Chairman and Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement by Danladi Ndayebo, his Chief Press Secretary.
The NSGF, however, expressed the hope that the imposition of emergency rule would complement Federal Government’s offer of amnesty earlier made to members of the Boko Haram sect.
“We feel this will help to restore peace to the affected states,” the forum said.
The Northern governors urged all members of the security agencies deployed to the affected states to operate by their rules of engagement.
“We advise the military to respect the sanctity of human lives, especially civilians who are not involved in the crisis,” they said.
The governors also called on the people in the affected states to also co-operate with military personnel posted to their areas to avoid unnecessary loss of lives and destruction of properties.
While commending President Goodluck Jonathan’s action, the forum urged members of the Boko Haram sect to accept the Federal Government’s gesture of amnesty.
“They should respond to government’s gesture so that lasting peace can return to the region in particular, and the nation in general,” the NSGF said.
It also commiserated with families of those who lost their loved ones in a gunmen attack in Daura, Katsina State on Thursday, urging citizens to remain vigilant at all times.
Meanwhile, the NSGF will hold a meeting in Kaduna on May 28.
Top on the agenda of the meeting is deliberation on the report of the Committee on Reconciliation, Healing and Security, submitted to the governors in Abuja in April.
NAN.