State of emergency: We’re behind you – Northern governors tell Jonathan

The Northern State Governors’ Forum, NSGF, Saturday in Minna said it was in full support of the state of emergency declared by President Jonathan in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa in the North-East Nigeria.

The Forum Chairman and Niger state Governor, Babangida Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement by Danladi Ndayebo, his Chief Press Secretary.

The NSGF however expressed the hope that the imposition of emergency rule would complement Federal Government’s offer of amnesty earlier made to members of the Boko Haram sect.

“We feel this will help to restore peace to the affected states,’’ the forum said.

The Northern governors urged all members of the security agencies deployed to the affected states to operate by their rules of engagement.

“We advise the military to respect the sanctity of human lives, especially civilians who are not involved in the crisis,’’ they said.

While calling on the people in the affected states to also co-operate with the military personnel posted to their areas to avoid unnecessary loss of lives and destruction of property, the forum urged members of the Boko Haram sect to accept federal government’s gesture of amnesty.

“They should respond to government’s gesture so that lasting peace can return to the region in particular, and the nation in general,’’ NSGF said.

It also commiserated with families of those who lost their loved ones in a gunmen attack in Daura, Katsina State on Thursday, urging citizens to remain vigilant at all times.

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