…northern govs support FG’s action

[Punch]

The Northern State Governors' Forum on Saturday in Minna said it was in support of the state of emergency imposed on Borno, Yobe and Adamawa in the North-East.

The Chairman of the forum and Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu, said this in a statement by Danladi Ndayebo, his Chief Press Secretary, which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria.

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 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 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 sect to accept the 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,'' NSGF said.

It also commiserated with the families of those who lost their loved ones in a gunmen attack in Daura, Katsina State on Thursday.

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 April.



The Punch