Is state of emergency necessary to deal with security situation in northern Nigeria?

Fri, May 24, 2013

By publisher

3 MIN READ

THE state of emergency declared by President Goodluck Jonathan has continued to generate controversies in the country. Many Nigerians applauded the president for his courage and desire to end the insurgency, while some questioned the rationale behind the non-removal of the governors and political office holders in the affected states. Below are what some Nigerians think about the state of emergency.

Kingsley Chukwuma, Businessman: For once I’m in total support of the federal government’s efforts to flush out Boko Haram insurgents from their hideouts in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States. The president took a wise step by declaring a state of emergency in the three states.

Godwin Otita, Corps Member: The declaration is a good omen and the best way to crush the evil group called Boko Haram. But the state governors and political office holders in the affected states should have been removed from office for their failure to check the activities of the insurgents.

Austine Okechukwu, Pastor: This is what government should have done long ago, because the situation in those states is pathetic. Human life is no more sacrosanct. Day after day, scores of people get killed and maimed while women are raped with impunity. People are afraid to congregate or even move on the streets out of fear of bomb blasts and gun attacks by these terrorists. I wonder why those who the society should regard as miscreants are being considered for dialogue and even amnesty by the government.

Juliet Okonokwo, Banker: The declaration of emergency rule in these states, especially in Yobe and Borno States, was long overdue. The terrorists think that they can always have their way by instilling fear and terror in the minds of the people. This is, indeed, a very annoying situation. If the situation is not handled with the appropriate application of force, it would result in total anarchy in the affected states.

Alex Ejiofor, Businessman: The state of emergency declared by the president was as a result of incessant killings and violence in some parts of the north. In this case, I’m in support of what the president has done in as much as the decision is in the interest of the country.

Daniel Ugwuede, Civil Servant: I have not seen a state of emergency like this one. I think a total one would have been better for Nigeria. It would have been better for the Army to take over control of the affected states for six months to normalise the situation, before the politicians are recalled.

Compiled by Anayo Ezugwu 

— Jun. 3, 2013 @ 01:00 GMT