Why Adamawa was included in emergency rule – Minister

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, on Friday in Abuja said that emergency rule was declared in Adamawa State due to the frequent activities of terrorists through the border with Cameroon.
Ashiru made this known at briefing of members of the diplomatic corps in Nigeria, following Tuesday’s declaration of emergency rule in three North Eastern states by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Responding to a question on the inclusion of Adamawa State, where insecurity was not widespread as in Borno and Yobe States, the minister said: “Indeed Adamawa was a tussle.
“This is because only three or four local governments in Adamawa are affected by insecurity.
“The military felt that because of the proximity of Adamawa to the border with Cameroon, there is the need to have a larger area in sweeping the entire state so that the elements will not run to certain areas not covered.”
The minister also told the foreign diplomats that emergency rule declared in three affected states was to protect the citizens and foreigners from the violent attacks of terrorists.
Ashiru said the President acted within the provisions of the constitution to protect the sovereignty of the nation.
He reassured members of the international community that the Nigeria military would respect human rights in the ongoing operations.
He said the Ministry of Defence would make the operations “as open as possible” and would soon publish the military rules of engagement for the operation.
He dismissed accusations that the Nigeria security agencies had engaged in “extra-judicial killings.”
He said: “There is no extra-judicial killing in Nigeria.
“The military do not conduct extra-judicial killings in Nigeria.
“Although in the past we have had cases where elements of Boko Haram have used fake military uniform to attack civilians.
“But all operations by the Nigeria military during this emergency period is to guarantee the security of citizens and foreigners alike in the affected areas.”
The minister also told foreign diplomats that government had set up a commission of inquiries into the recent killings in Baga.
He reiterated that government would publish the findings of the commission of inquiry into the killings.
He added that the presidential amnesty committee for Boko Haram members would continue its work in spite of the emergency rule declared in the three states.
The minister assured the diplomatic community that government would lift the state of emergency declared in the states as soon as normalcy returns to the affected areas.
Responding to a question on the implication of the emergency rule for foreign nationals and diplomats, Ashiru said: “Diplomats, foreign nationals and journalists would not be restricted from visiting the areas.
“For diplomats, they will be no restrictions but it will have to be a protected visit.
“The diplomats would have to apply to the Foreign Ministry and we would forward it to Defence Ministry before they visit.”
Ashiru also dismissed accusations that the Nigeria military had engaged in “extra-judicial killings” during recent operations in Baga, Borno State and other restive areas.
The Israeli ambassador to Nigeria, Uriel Palti, in his contribution, asked the minister the “implication” of the non-ratification of the emergency rule in the three states by the National Assembly.
Responding, Ashiru said the President had exercised his constitutional obligation by sending the proclamation to the legislature.
He said: “In emergency cases that concerns the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country as well as peace and security, in most cases the National Assembly would normally ratify the proclamation after the declaration.
“But at the same time I must explain to you that strictly speaking, this is a military operation to safeguard lives and property and ensure peace and security.
“Institutions of state are not affected in any way.
“You have read in the papers that some governors in the affected states have announced their support for the declaration.”
The minister appealed for international support in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria and requested the envoys “to report correctly to their governments the situation in Nigeria.”
Ambassador of Kuwait and Dean of the Arab embassies in Nigeria, Saad Alasosui, thanked the Minister for providing the briefing on the rational and legality of the state of emergency declared by President Goodluck Jonathan.