31.05.2013STATE OF EMERGENCY IN THREE NORTHERN NIGERIAN STATES

IN PURSUIT OF PEACE AND SECURITY: GOVERNMENT DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY IN THREE NORTHERN NIGERIAN STATES
 
In application of its statutory obligation to protect lives and property of all Nigerians and foreign nationals resident in Nigeria; and in response to the escalating security tension and terrorist threats in the North-Eastern Nigerian States of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, the Federal Government of Nigeria, on 14^th May, 2013, declared a State of Emergency in those States.  Political institutions and structures of elected Governments are, however, to operate unhindered. The State of Emergency, which was approved by the Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives, is to be lifted as soon as normalcy returns to those States.
 
It is pertinent to note that, a state of lawlessness had begun to emerge in those states, spurred by elements using terrorist tactics, with the ultimate objective of destabilizing the Nigerian state. This called for focused ‘measures to ensure the rule of law, public order, respect for human rights and dignity, protection of life and property and the maintenance of the sovereignty, popular as well as territorial, of the country.  The State of Emergency would serve to curtail criminality, brigandage, and restore law and order to the affected areas’.
 
All necessary resources have been deployed to meet material needs and rules of engagement carefully crafted for intervening security operatives. Field oversight of security operatives would complement other civil efforts of Government to ease the tension in these States. These include the establishment of the Presidential Committee on Dialogue on Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North, chaired by the Hon. Minister for Special Duties, Mr. Kabiru Turaki.
 
To address charges of human rights abuses leveled against security operatives, the Federal Government has set up a panel to investigate the incidents in Baga (Borno State) and Bama (Nasarrawa State) with a view to imposing appropriate sanctions on proven perpetrators of human rights violations. It should be noted that such violations are not condoned by Government, neither are they being committed as a matter of deliberate policy.
 
In appreciation of the fact that terrorism transcends the nation, every Nigerian and friend of Nigeria, is called upon to join ranks towards stemming the menace in Nigeria and her environs. The Federal Government remains strongly committed to the safety and protection of lives and property of all Nigerians and other nationals resident in Nigeria.
 
 Embassy of Nigeria, Berlin
30th May 2013
 
 
 

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