The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has kicked against President Goodluck Jonathan’s request for the extension of state of emergency rule in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.
In a statement issued by its spokesman, Professor Ishaq Akintola, it said: “MURIC wishes to call Senate’s attention to the need to approach the issue with utmost caution. Three states of Nigeria: Adamawa, Borno and Yobe have been under emergency rule for a whole year. Nothing tangible has been achieved within the period. On the contrary, life has become extremely difficult for civilians in the area. Economic activities have dovetailed. Poverty has risen astronomically. For how long shall we continue to extend emergency rule? Even governors of the zone who had supported emergency rule ab initio are now kicking against it.”
It added: “The only beneficiaries of emergency rule in the area are those who collect billions of naira for the purchase of military hardware which never surface for use by soldiers at the frontline who need them. War fatigue has taken its toll on our soldiers particularly in the face of poor welfare, Stone Age weapons and an astounding lack of transparency.
“What emergency rule are we talking about when reliable sources reveal that Nigerian soldiers are not willing to confront Boko Haram fighters? Our soldiers flee at the approach of the insurgents. Civilians who expect protection are shocked when soldiers take to their heels. What magic do we expect another extension to perform in the mindset of Nigerian soldiers on ground? Nay, it will only worsen their condition.”
Continuing, he said: “We therefore appeal to Senate to look critically into its crystal ball and forestall the plan by the ruling party to mortgage the zone under emergency for a pot of porridge. MURIC says ‘No to extension of emergency rule.’ Senate should look beyond its nose.
“What the zone needs is the presence of a disciplined and better-equipped military, jobs for millions of unemployed youths who have become easy prey for Boko Haram operatives and massive deployment of infrastructure that is capable of transforming the zone to a modern welfare society. But above all, the Commander-in-Chief must lead by example in future.”