State of emergency: Adamawa cuts down working hours

The Adamawa Government on Tuesday reduced official working hours in the state by one hour, to ease the difficulties civil servants face since it imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Wednesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the 6pm to 6am, curfew was imposed to reinforce the current State of Emergency in the state.
A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Kobis Aris, and made available to NAN on Tuesday, said workers would now close at 3pm.
The statement said: “Sequel to declaration of state of emergency in the state by President, Commander-In-Chief and the imposition of 6am to 6pm curfew in the state, civil servants find it difficult to reach home before 6pm.
“Consequently, Governor Murtala Nyako has approved that the state civil service official working hours be adjusted from 8:00 am to 3:00 p.m during the time of the curfew.”
It also said that the governor was holding consultations with various stakeholders in the state to generate support on the current security situation and ensure the restoration of peace and stability in the state.
Meanwhile, Nyako on Tuesday cautioned politicians in the state against playing politics with the state of emergency imposed on the state.
Nyako made the call in a statement signed by his Director, Press and Public Affairs, Malam Ahmad Sajoh, in Yola, the state capital.
The warning followed a statement made by a politician in a local radio programme who alleged that the governor was responsible for the state of emergency imposed on the state.
The governor described the allegations as “false, malicious and a calculated attempt to create confusion in the state.”
He said that the Federal Government had, through the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, explained that Adamawa State was included because of its proximity to Cameroon and for the military to have a wide coverage.
The statement said: “This is not the time to play politics with a grave issue like the state of emergency declared on the state.
“Politicians who try to reap political dividends from every situation should learn to appreciate the limits of politics during emergency periods. This is time to be on the side of the people.
“Politicians should support the position adopted by the state government on the need for prayers and full support to law enforcement agencies.”
Nyako also cautioned the media against being used and the need for them to be more careful and objective in their reports, particularly when such reports bordered on security in the period of emergency.
“Media houses should take their social responsibility more seriously and work in the interest of unity, peace and social harmony within our communities and the state at large.”