The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, have advised the Federal Government to dismiss calls for the declaration of ‘state of emergency’ in some Northern states over the spate of violent attacks and killings in the areas.
The Forum stated this in a statement issued by its chairman and Rivers State Governor, Chubuike Amaechi, on Monday.
The NGF said that the request for emergency rule was being made by people who do not wish the country well and who want to plunge the nation into deeper crisis.
“We urge the Federal Government to continue to support affected states in the bid to check violence. The Federal Government should remain focused and continue to provide leadership until every part of Nigeria is rid of violence and insurgency,” NGF said.
“We also call on the Federal Government to ignore the ongoing agitation for a state of emergency in some parts of the country. These requests are being made by people who do not wish our country well and who are bent on plunging the country into a deeper crisis.
“The Federal Government should not allow itself to be distracted from our collective goal of curbing the insurgency in some parts of our country once and for all.”
The Forum condemned the violence in Borno, Nasarawa, Benue and Adamawa as well as other states. It commiserated with the people and governments of those states as well as the security agencies and families of the victims.
NGF prayed God to give relatives of the deceased and indeed every Nigerian the fortitude to bear the loss. It urged the security agencies to continue to do their jobs professionally, while calling on aggrieved individuals and groups in the country to appreciate the fact that violence can never be a solution to any problem.
“We have no other country to call home and it is important that we understand the danger and futility of destroying our land in the pursuit of a selfish agenda,” it said.
The Forum also said it is “impressed by the magnanimity of the Federal Government, which has demonstrated an uncommon love for the country, by setting up a Committee to explore the possibilities of granting amnesty to the members of the Boko Haram sect.”
“It is also a good step that government has agreed to cooperate fully with the National Human Rights Commission in the investigation of the killings in Baga.
“We also commend our security agencies for their selfless sacrifice in the interest of us all in an effort to restore calm to all parts of our country,” it said.
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