Abdullahi M. Gulloma
President Goodluck Jonathan has summoned members of the National Security Council to an emergency meeting at the Presidential Villa today following recent security threats and developments in the country.
The president’s spokesperson, Dr Reuben Abati, who disclosed this in a statement yesterday in Abuja, said the meeting would be followed at 1300 hours by an enlarged meeting on security developments with governors of the 36 states of the federation.
He said the president, members of the Council and state governors would review the security situation in the country as well as the ongoing national security measures and operations with a view to determining the best way forward.
Members of the National Security Council are Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo; Minister of Defence, Lt.-Gen Aliyu Gusau (rtd); National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.); Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, Service Chiefs, Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the State Security Service and the Director-General of National Intelligence Agency.
Abati said the president was concerned about the plight of the young Senior Secondary School girls who were abducted from their school in Borno state on Monday night, and has ordered the military and national security agencies to deploy maximum efforts towards rescuing all the girls and returning them safely to their parents.
He said the president also welcomed reports that the military and security agencies have already rescued some of the girls.
He said: “President Jonathan deeply regrets the pain, sorrow and anguish brought upon many Nigerian families in recent days as a consequence of recurring security challenges which the nation is contending with.
“The president remains convinced that with the patriotic commitment and support of all Nigerians, the country will ultimately overcome its present challenges and move forward in unity and strength.
“In this regard, President Jonathan will be pleased to see all politicians in the country exhibiting greater responsibility and patriotism by doing more to support his administration’s sincere efforts to enhance national security rather than trying to build political capital out of the pain and misery of their compatriots.
“President Jonathan reassures all Nigerians and persons living in the country that the federal government remains very mindful of its responsibility for the safety of their lives and property in all parts of Nigeria and will continue to do everything possible to protect them from the scourge of terrorism and insecurity.”
