Enugu people react to the declaration of state of emergency in three States.

[FMINigeria]

Many people in Enugu State have reacted to the declaration of a state of emergency in Borno,Yobe and Adamawa states by  President Goodluck Jonathan, with many expressing support for the state of emergency.   They pointed out that the insurgents have caused a lot of destruction of lives and properties, destroyed the economies of the areas they have been attacking and put Nigeria on the world's terrorism map.  This, they say has adversely affected the image of the country and is capably of discouraging foreign investors.

Dr. Calistus Onaga, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, welcomed the state of emergency, since the Federal government had tried every other means including the prospect of amnesty to no avail.

He called on the government to adequately equip the security agencies sent to the areas to be able to do their assignment effectively.

On his own part, the Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt Rev. Bishop Chukwuma said the state of emergency was long overdue.   He praised the President for taking the bold step.

He however, pointed out that amnesty was not a viable option, and that he was against it. The chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association in Enugu pointed out that by law, the President had the power to declare a state of emergency in any state if he feels that there is breakdown of law and order, as long as he transmits the matter to the National Assembly.

Some people wondered why Kano and Nasarawa States were left out.They also said that the measures did not go far enough; wondering why the Governors were still left in office.

They maintained that this may lead to conflict of authority and personalities between the Governors and the security agencies sent to quell the insurgency in the area.  Also, they feared that political considerations by the Governors may undermine the operations.

The security agencies were advised to upgrade their intelligence gathering apparatus and be proactive in their approach. People in the affected states were called upon to give information about insurgents and their activities and movement to security agents. The security agents in return should treat the people humanely and keep confidential all information passed to them.

The people expressed the hope that the problem would be speedily resolved and the President would have the political will to see the operation to its logical conclusion.

Via: Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria