Declaration of state of emergency in three states of the North, exception to those reactions from Tinubu and Buhari.

[FMINigeria]

By Abu I. Michael.

The President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has on Tuesday, May 14 declared state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe State because of the appalling situation of insecurity occasioned by the activities of Boko Haram and other insurgent groups that may have found cover under Boko Haram insurgency to carry out their heinous operations in Nigeria. I agreed with others that the state of emergency which was declared was long overdue. But, the time taken by Mr. President for the declaration in spite of being the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is an exemplar for a democratic leader who would give every opportunity for proper consultations and considerations and accommodation of opinions of various geopolitical components of the country on critical issues as the emergency should be commended.

Following the declaration, military personnel, police and other security operatives along with necessary fighting equipments have been deployed to the states for full military protection and uprooting of enemies of the state. For me, the state of emergency that has just been declared is an official pronouncement for an operation to save the Nigerian State. The consultations did pay off. At least, the elected officials would remain in office under the declaration. The simple analysis is that the various security chiefs are now answerable to the President through the Chief of Defence Staff under this state of emergency. The operations under this arrangement would be devoid of interference by the chief executives of the affected States.

However, there are some who have shown disapproval for the state of emergency in an effort to score cheap political points. In particular, I see the statement of the former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu that it was a design by President Jonathan to rub off powers from the Governors of the States placed under state of emergency, and that "The body language of the Jonathan's administration leaves any keen watcher of events with unmistakable conclusion of the existence of a surreptitious but barely disguised intention to muzzle the elected governments of these States for what is clearly a display of unpardonable mediocrity and diabolic partisanship geared towards 2015" as rather unfortunate. How can Mr. Tinubu be talking of 2015 when many Nigerians have been sent untimely to the grave? Tinubu is not residing in any of these States and may not understand the seriousness of the matter of insecurity even though he was once a State's chief security officer as the then Governor of Lagos State. Tinubu should look at issues objectively and stop playing unnecessary politics. If he is not worried about the death of innocent Nigerians and many more that may still be killed if the situation is not brought under control, the President and every patriotic Nigerian is worried and therefore offer support to the action taken to put a stop to this mindless killings. As a respected Nigerian, Tinubu's statement is uncalled for.

Tinubu, should know that President Jonathan and Nigerians deserve an apology from his careless talk. He shouldn't forget that the state of emergency has the backing of the National Assembly hence the proclamation of the assembly in support of the emergency; these heads are definitely better than one, the wisdom behind the declaration of the state of emergency in the affected states is therefore, applauded. Freedom of expression is not freedom for unguided utterances. Unfortunately for those who disapproved of it, concerned Governors of Borno and Yobe States have since praised the declaration. I commend the Governors for exhibiting national interest above their political concern; they are both worthy leaders of this great country.

Former Head of State, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) has on the Liberty FM, Hausa Service, condemned the state of emergency with statements indicative of un-progressive sentiment. One can deduce from his statements, allegations, and an attempt to whip sentiment for his political interest. His claim of being "The only honest Nigerian that can deliver" is questionable. He was earlier nominated to serve in a Committee to mediate towards resolving the Boko Haram entanglement, and he declined. What a man!

Before now, the President inaugurated an Amnesty Committee for the Boko Haram members, a condition which was also seen as a welcome development by many Nigerians. The state of emergency and the amnesty arrangement were to go hand-in-hand. The Nigerian State cannot bow to any individual or group. The country is bigger than anyone or group. The amnesty would serve those in the rebellion who are at least ready to give up their devilish act to embrace peace in prevention of further killings and damage to property. For those who wished to continue with their campaigns which have led to the destruction of many lives and property, they would have the full might of the military and patriotic Nigerians to contend with.

Another action being taken by Jonathan's Administration that gladdens the heart is the re-equipping of the Nigerian Police with latest facilities. The choppers being purchased for distribution across Police Commands in the country would help in no small way at frustrating the operations of suspected criminals and marauders before unwelcomed security situation degenerates.

While calling on all Nigerians to support the military and other security operatives in this operation to save the Nigerian State by giving timely information of suspected characters to the concerned authorities, the Federal Government should ensure that our borders are well secured than ever by building some reasonable military barracks by our borders. The borders are porous and expansive, but a good number of military barracks would strategically help the constant patrol and surveillance around the borders to forestall further infiltration by criminal elements whose activities threaten our territorial integrity.

It is also important for the military and security operatives to review their surveillance and intelligence gathering mechanism considering the rate at which arms are being taken to various parts of the country without the notice of our official prying eyes. The military and other security operatives should be empowered to check every suspected vehicle even if such carry a very important personality. In this critical moment of our country, everyone is a suspect for now. Only God knows the number of illegal armouries that might have been set up in various parts of the country. Apart from the States where state of emergency is declared, the military and all security operatives in well coordinated operations should be given the push by the federal might to from time to time, carryout search in every State of the federation especially on suspected buildings, and places. It is my belief also that many of the uncompleted buildings and abandoned project sites may have be turned into warehouses of arms.

Dialogue is good and would always suffice to address issues of disagreement with peace loving people. For this reason, the amnesty offered to the members of Boko Haram is in order. But, the mission of the evil ones is to destroy life and to bring about pains and sorrows. If Satan has manifested as human beings and have decided to destroy the lives of innocent Nigerians, then we must rise up against him. The war against terrorism in Nigeria must be fought and won.

Abu I. Michael is of the Federal Information Centre, Lafia.

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