Adamawa Rejects Emergency Rule Extension: Governor Murtala Nyako has called on the National Assembly to reject proposal by President Goodluck Jonathan to extend the state of emergency in the state. Speaking to Daily Trust in Yola yesterday, through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Ahmad Sajo, Governor Nyako said the situation in Adamawa does not warrant any extension of the emergency rule. He rejected the argument being advanced by the military that insurgents escaping from Borno and Yobe could easily move to the state, asking why emergency rule was not declared in Gombe and Bauchi states which also share borders with Borno and Yobe. “Our position is that the presidency and the National Assembly must consider the interest of the people of Adamawa and end the emergency rule. The people should be rewarded for peaceful conduct during the last six months. The National Assembly should make proper investigation based on the true situation on ground before taking any decision, both the president and the law makers should be mindful of the fact that they have taken oath of office to serve the people,” he said. However, the speaker of Adamawa State House of Assembly Ahmad Fintiri was cautious in his remarks, saying generally the people of Adamawa were satisfied with the level of security in the state and opposed to extension of the emergency. He added, “but as representative of Madagali constituency, I don’t mind the extension because Madagali is on the border with Borno. Sambisa forest where the things are happening extends to Madagali, so these insurgents may take their activities further especially during the dry season.” Fintiri warn against using the extension for political manipulation. The Galadima of Adamawa and retired Grand Khadi, Alhaji Aliyu Raji faulted the decision to impose emergency rule in Adamawa let alone its extension, saying the attacks in Adamawa were carried out by bandits as against members of Boko Haram sect. He said that politics played a major role in the inclusion of Adamawa in the initial declaration as nothing warranted such action by the federal government. “The attacks here were carried out by bandits and we solved the problem, that is why six months after the State of emergency, attacks did not stop in Borno and Yobe. Why are there no attacks in Adamawa today? Politics played a factor in the declaration, yet we advised our people to cooperate with the federal government during the period. If they expect insurgents from Borno, it is the duty of the security agencies to protect the borders,” he stated. An elder business man in Adamawa, Alhaji Abubabkar Bugema also criticised the federal government for maintaining heavy military presence despite the relative calm in the state, saying the presidency should assess the situation on ground rather than working on assumptions.
Posted on: Thu, 07 Nov 2013 12:25:02 +0000
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