President Goodluck Jonathan has summoned members of the National Security Council to an emergency meeting on Thursday (today) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja against the background of recent security developments in the country.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President would preside over the meeting that would start at 11am and later preside over an enlarged meeting that would be attended by state governors by 1pm.
Those expected at the first meeting, according to the statement, include Vice President Namadi Sambo, Minister of Defence, Lt.-Gen Aliyu Gusau (retired.); the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retired.); the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh; the Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the State Security Services and the Director General of National Intelligence Agency.
The statement read, “The meeting of the National Security Council will be followed at 13.00 hours (1pm) by an enlarged meeting on security developments in the country to which President Jonathan has invited state governors.
“President Jonathan, members of the National Security Council and the state governors will review the security situation in the country as well as ongoing national security measures and operations with a view to determining the best way forward.
“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 properties in all parts of Nigeria and will continue to do everything possible to protect them from the scourge of terrorism and insecurity.
“The President is particularly concerned about the plight of the young senior secondary school girls who were reportedly 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 of the girls and returning them safely to their parents. He welcomes reports that the military and security agencies have already rescued some of the girls.”
Abati said the President regretted the 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.
He said Jonathan remained convinced that with the patriotic commitment and support of all Nigerians, the country would 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,” he added.
Olalekan Adetayo
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