Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has appealed to the people of the state to remain calm and law-abiding during the period of emergency rule in the state.
President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in the state as well as Yobe and Adamawa States because of acts of terrorism in the areas.
The governor made the appeal in Maiduguri, the state capital, on Wednesday in a radio and television broadcast and advised the people to ensure that they did not disobey the new the emergency rules.
He said: “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.”
Shettima said that the government was already working on plans to embark on enlightenment campaign to sensitise the people to the emergency rule.
He said: “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 Borno State Television and Radio.
“I urge our partners and friends in other media organisations resident in the state to help in educating the citizens on how to conduct themselves at this difficult time that we face together.”
The governor also appealed to the military to conduct their operations with “dignity” as they engaged the terrorists.
He said: “Let me use this opportunity to urge the military who are fellow Nigerians to abide by the directive of Mr. President.
“They should operate under the rules of engagement so that innocent lives and properties of the people are jealously preserved and protected.
“As time passes, we shall as government, remain focused in our abiding fate and commitment to improve the welfare of all citizens through quality governance.
“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 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 emphasised 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 live.”
Trending
- Traditional ruler shot dead inside palace
- Primate Ayodele to Yoruba Nation agitators: You can’t break Nigeria
- Police intercept bags of Indian Hemp at Lagos jetty
- Enugu, families to give Ibu, Junior Pope befitting burial
- Police arrest suspects for attempting to disrupt inauguration of commissioners
- Police rescue three children locked up by grandmother + Photo
- Police foil attack in Katsina, neutralise suspected bandit
- US vetoes Palestine’s request for full UN membership