Emergency rule extended

After a hectic six months of battling Islamic
insurgents under a state of emergency in
Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, President
Goodluck Jonathan came back to the National
Assembly early in November 2013, to ask for a
six-month extension to enable the armed forces
complete the job.
The Senate gave its express approval, even
though a few of its members from the troubled
zone grumbled. The House of Representatives
was not so expeditious. It summoned the
Service Chiefs on November 20, 2013 to explain
in greater details before also granting the
President’s request.
The Service Chiefs made it clear that more
military resources were needed to establish the
level of stability in the areas before the
emergency rule could be called off, warning that
this might go on for a much longer period than
expected.
We are aware of the displeasure that citizens
from those areas have expressed over the
extension, particularly given the challenges it
imposes on their economic and social activities.
The emotions are also understandable, given
that the political season is coming into full
swing, and people desire the liberty to go into
the arena.
We, however, wish to point out that unless the
areas are completely secured, there will be no
room for political, social and economic
activities. Terrorists will continue to penetrate
the populace, wreak their havoc and flee. The
recent murder of a bridal train in Borno and
attack on Damaturu by Boko Haram suspects
should sound a note of warning that there can
never be half measures when it comes to the
war on terror.
It is evident that the armed forces have made
great progress, driving the terrorists away from
the big cities into the forests with the support
of the general populace. In fact, the valiant
vigilance groups known as the Civilian JTF have
helped into no small measure in driving the
anarchists to the fringes, from where they now
make desperate and uncoordinated attempts
proving they still exist.
The only way a return to sustainable normalcy
can take place is for the armed forces and the
local population to redouble their efforts and
get the job finished in quicker time.
Meanwhile, we call on government at all levels
to consider some relief packages for those
hardest hit by the conflict, especially the
displaced persons and those needing food,
medicine and clothes. The war on terror is a
war. Wars breed human suffering, and efforts
are made to reduce it through relief efforts.
The armed forces of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria are mandated by the Constitution to
secure the nation from internal and external
threats. The President has sworn an oath to
implement this constitutional provision. It is
mandatory for the people to cooperate and
ensure that this sacred national mission is
accomplished.