Boko Haram Attacks: Yobe Governor Blasts Jonathan For Taking Terrorism With Levity

Worried by the killing of 35 pupils by a suicide
bomber, a distraught Governor Ibrahim Gaidam
asked President Goodluck Jonathan to explain
to the people why insurgents were having a
field day, despite the imposition of a state of
emergency.
He said the Federal Government must take action
instead of indulging in the condemnation of such
attacks.
The governor expressed his mind in a statement by
his Special Adviser on Press Affairs and Information,
Abdullahi Bego, said: "This morning, our state woke
up to a very sad and heart-breaking news of a bomb
attack on our young students at Government
Comprehensive School, Potiskum in which no fewer
than 35 students were killed and many more injured.
"The thoughts of His Excellency Governor Ibrahim
Gaidam and his prayers are with the parents,
teachers and families of the innocent victims of this
callous and reprehensible attack.
"The governor is heartbroken and words cannot
adequately convey the extent of his remorse and
sadness.
"The governor has noted that this is the fifth time in
a little over one year when our schools in Yobe State
were brutally attacked and students killed. There was
Government Secondary School, Damaturu;
Government Secondary School, Mamudo; College of
Agriculture, Gujba; Federal Government College,
Buni-Yadi; and now Government Comprehensive
School, Potiskum.
"Governor Gaidam deeply regrets that all of these
dastardly attacks took place under a climate of
Emergency Rule declared in Yobe, Borno and
Adamawa states by President Goodluck Jonathan.
"In theory, the Emergency Rule Declaration was a
signal that more vigorous steps would be taken to
protect the lives and property of people in the
affected states and deploy the full might of the
federal government to restore peace and security.
"Unfortunately, this has not been fully the case.
Instead of forcing insurgents and criminals to flee;
the insurgents are forcing innocent people to flee and
making life miserable for everyone.
"Governor Gaidam believes that President Goodluck
Jonathan has a very urgent responsibility to explain
to the people of Yobe State and people all across the
affected states why murderous and callous insurgent
and criminal attacks are still on the rise despite the
State of Emergency."
Gaidam demanded immediate action by the
government to stem the tide of bombings in the
state.
The statement added: "The governor also believes
that it is not just enough for the federal government
to condemn the almost daily rounds of violence. He
believes urgent action must be taken right now to
restore a fast waning public confidence by doing
whatever it takes to stop the escalating violence."
The governor ordered immediate closure of all public
schools until the security situation in the state is
reviewed.
The statement said: "Governor Gaidam has also
ordered for the immediate closure of all public
schools around the Potiskum area until a full review
of the situation is undertaken.
"The governor has called on people throughout Yobe
State to exercise restraint and continue to pray for
the intervention of Almighty Allah (SWT).
"He assured members of the general public that
despite the State of Emergency in place, he will
continue to do everything within his powers to get
the federal government to do more and also to
continue to offer his administration's support to all
people affected."
The governor directed hospital authorities in
Potiskum to provide immediate medical support to
victims of the attack free of charge. The Yobe State
Government will also foot the medical bills of some of
the victims who have been referred to the Federal
Medical Centres in Nguru and Azare.
"The governor has also directed the Commissioner of
Health to undertake regular review of the conditions
of victims and suggest what additional measures
might be needed to help them recover."

Posted By David Aniemeka