President Goodluck Jonathan has assured the
Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki Moon that the state of
Emergency declared in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, may not last up to
six months as prescribed by the constitution.
President Jonathan who met with the UN Secretary
General on the sideline of the Africa Union summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
explained that this was due to the success so far recorded by troops deployed
to the North Eastern states
Dr Jonathan was quick assure Mr Moon that the
military had strictly adhered to the rules of engagement, adding that
government would do everything possible to ensure that the civilian
population was not put through hardship,
He explained that the successes recorded by the
military was exemplified by the lack of collateral civilian casualties, noting
that the operation had helped in creating a better relationship between the
civilian population and members of the armed forces.
President Jonathan said government's decision to
release women and children members of the Boko Haram was in the spirit of the
rules of engagement of the operation.
Earlier in his remarks, the Secretary General of
the United Nations sympathized with the government and people of Nigeria over
he activities of Boko Haram, saying that Terrorism was a global phenomenon that
must be confronted by the international community.
He reiterated his call on the Nigerian military
engaged in operations in the affected states where state of emergency had been
declared to be prudent and cautious in protecting the civilian population in
the areas of operation.
And thanking President Jonathan for Nigeria's
contributions to peace keeping operations of the United Nations, Mr. Moon
further solicited the support of the Nigeria in bringing an end to the
political crises in Guinea Bissau.
President Jonathan also met with the presidents of
Egypt, Jamaica as well as the King of Swaziland.
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