Jonathan: Emergency Rule is Yielding Results
As Nigeria’s military continues its onslaught against Boko Haram in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, President Goodluck Jonathan has thanked Nigerians for their support for the emergency rule declared in the three states, assuring them that the effort of the armed forces has already started yielding positive results.
His statement coincided with the pledge by the country’s armed forces to continue their offensive against militants in the north-east for "as long as it takes" to achieve its main objective.
Also, as part of its strategy to rally international support for the ongoing military offensive against Boko Haram in the North-eastern part of the country, the federal government has reached out to officials of the United States of America and other heads of missions in Washington.
The President’s Senior Special Assistant, Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said in a statement yesterday that the president had commended the efforts of the armed forces, which have already started yielding positive results, “as available information confirmed that the insurgents had been dislodged from their safe havens and camps.”
Okupe added: “President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed gratitude to all Nigerians for the overwhelming support they have given to the declaration of state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States.
“The president also thanked the leadership of the National Assembly and many of its members, who have through calls and personal visitations, given solidarity and support for this extraordinary step taken by the president in order to halt the mindless killings, bombings and general insecurity that had prevailed in that part of the country.
“The president also notes with gratification the positive disposition and understanding of the governors of the federation, especially the Northern Governors' Forum, leaders and elders in the north, traditional rulers, religious leaders, cultural and political groups nationwide including opposition political parties, civil society organisations and the media.”
The president’s spokesman said the president was appreciative of the effort, loyalty, commitment and sacrifice of members of the armed forces and other security agencies who have demonstrated commendable patriotism and gallantry in compliance with the order of the commander-in-chief.
He added that the president also appreciates the words of encouragement by members of the diplomatic corps and international community.
“He further promised that as a disciplined force, members of the armed forces will operate according to acceptable international rules of engagement and will pay particular attention to the safety and well-being of the citizens of the affected states during this period of emergency rule.
“Mr. President also notes that the efforts of the armed forces have already started yielding positive results, as available information confirms that the insurgents have been dislodged from their safe havens and camps while many have been apprehended, and their activities in the affected states have been brought to a total halt,” the statement added.
The president also called on Nigerians from all walks of life, ethnic origins and religious affiliations to rally round the federal government in this period of national travail in order that collectively, “we will achieve success in this major fight against terror in our land, and return peace and stability to our nation with its attendant prosperity, growth and development in the affected region.”
Jonathan promised that the federal government would not relent or spare any effort that would guarantee the safety and security of all Nigerians, noting that “all manner of criminality in our country would be fought uncompromisingly with all the powers and might available to the Federal Government.”
The president’s statement was given a boost by the armed forces, which vowed yesterday to continue their offensive against militants in the north-east for "as long as it takes" to achieve their main objective.
Source: Thisdayonline.com