Presidency faults Al-Jazeera’s report on state of emergency

THE Presidency, on Saturday, faulted international news channel, Al-Jazeera’s report on the current state of emergency in three north eastern states, where the medium claimed that it uncovered high civilian casualties arising from military operation against Boko Haram insurgents.   

A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, expressed grave concern over what it called the attempt by a section of the media, especially foreign, to mislead the general public and the international community on the ongoing operation against the insurgents.

The statement explained that, “for the avoidance of doubt, the declaration of a state of emergency and the consequential security operations are meant to protect the civilian population and the territory from the macabre and dastardly assault on the Nigerian state by insurgents and terrorists.

“It is not an operation against innocent citizens as Al-Jazeera and others are suggesting.”

It pointed out that “in executing this sovereign objective, President Jonathan explicitly directed that the operations be conducted in line with applicable rules of engagement and peculiar care in managing a unique situation.”

The statement recalled that in an earlier statement, the president had also made it clear to the military high command and received assurances that those who violated their operational orders would be disciplined accordingly.

It noted that it was in line with this regard for the rights of the civilian population that President Jonathan ordered the release of women and under-aged persons in  custody, and made arrangements for their immediate rehabilitation.  Tribune