Gov. Aliyu backs Jonathan on extension of emergency

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

Niger state governor and chairman of Northern State governors Forum, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu has thrown his weight behind President Goodluck Jonathan’s request for emergency extension in some states in the country that, “there is a need to declare an emergency so that certain things can be covered properly”.

He made the disclosure after he was screened for the Senatorial position at the State PDP secretariat in Minna yesterday that the declaration of an emergency, does not mean to get rid of the political structures in place as stipulated in the constitution.

Aliyu stated that  “there are many reasons why, and I know when people say ‘why declare emergency’. That is not the only issue, it is not what people expect that when you declare an emergency, you must get rid of the political institutions or do that and that. But that, if you remember, this is guerilla war, this is terrorism.

“There are rules and regulations of engagement and fortunately for terrorists they do not respect these rules, but as a government institution, we must respect rules which we have signed either at the United Nations level or rules as established by International Court of Justice and others” he said.

He called on the government to protect the institutions and the rules and regulations, thereby warning that, if certain measures are not taken the country may have more difficulties.

He said “Where you really need to fight some people, there is a need for you to declare an emergency so that certain things that are there on the ground will be covered properly. If you just leave it at that then you are liable not only to human rights but to other problems that may come up.

“So, that is the issue of the declaration. I know there is a misconception as to the purpose of the declaration of emergency. But mainly for me it’s that, since the fight or war is on, the government and people of Nigeria on one side need to protect the institutions and the rules and regulations”.

Governor Aliyu also speaking on his chances at the National Assembly come 2015 said “As an individual I feel very confident. But an individual who is tempered by the belief system that God does everything. And I have been begging God to make sure that I succeed. And I have the believe that I will succeed.