State of emergency: Ribadu backs Jonathan, urges Nigerians to stand by Military

The former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, yesterday said he was in support of the state of emergency recently declared by President Goodluck Jonathan in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

The former presidential candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria urged Nigerians, especially residents of the affected states, to “stand by” the military personnel deployed to the unrest regions.

Ribadu said this at the National Consultative Meeting organised by Global Peace Foundation to discuss the role of religious leaders and traditional rulers in building a culture of peace, national unity and integration.

He said, “Personally, I believe that any initiative in that direction is a good one. The Federal Government has the responsibility of ensuring peace in the country. This is because nobody else could have law enforcement for security like the Federal Government.

“For now, all Nigerians must stand by our own military. This is what happens all over the world. When you are confronted with difficulties, people must come together and unite. It is not the time for us to divide ourselves.

“However, the only thing that we want is to see it done properly and correctly with respect for rights of individuals instead of creating more problems for ourselves.”

Speaking earlier, the President, Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, noted that if Nigeria must grow beyond its present predicament, its leaders must learn to be sincere.

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