By HENRY UMORU

ABUJA—SENATE President David Mark said, yesterday, that the State of emergency proclamation in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states will soon come to an end because the military personnel were living up to the assignment given to them.

Senate President Mark who noted that the state of emergency was a last resort to tame the lingering menace of insecurity as well as bring normalcy back to the land, however, charged every Nigerian to be a good apostle of peace to ensure that Nigerians enjoy dividends of democracy.

Speaking at a church service to mark the 2013 Democracy Day at St. Mulumba Catholic Chaplaincy, Apo, Abuja, Mark said, “the state of emergency proclamation on three States was a last resort to curtail the unabating insurgency. And I know it is yielding positive result. Very soon, it will be over as our military formations are living up to the task”.

Mark, however, reiterated that the challenges, including security militating against the nation were not insurmountable, adding, “All we need is a collective resolve to confront our challenges and find a lasting solution to them.”

Senate President who noted that the nation was currently passing through some difficulties, especially in the areas of security and socio-economy challenges, said, “we can collectively resolve to say enough is enough. All our efforts towards development would come to naught if the crisis continues.

He thanked Nigerians for their perseverance and cooperation in the propagation and sustenance of democracy, adding that democracy was a process everyone should uphold to benefit from its dividends.

He said: “It was by choice and design that the nation chose democracy as best form of government. Democracy promotes rule of law, upholds human rights, freedom of speech and indeed participatory.

“Whichever faith or religion, I urge Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress of the nation.

On the part of legislature, the Senate President assured of continued and responsive legislation that will carter for the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.

He added that: “We shall continue to identify and prioritize key areas where legislations would be required for the rapid transformation of the economy and polity. We shall be patriotic, honest, fair and just in the discharge of our duties and be guided by the Constitution and fear of God”.

Earlier in the homely, Rev. Father  Innocent Jooji called on religious leaders to do away with provocative statements that may generate crisis, saying Nigeria remains the only country of  all Nigerians.

He charged the people to remain steadfast in prayers for the elected leaders to have political will to deliver dividends of democracy to the electorate just as he tasked political office holders to make the citizenry the focal point of their policies and programmes.

…As Military dogs track 50 suspected terrorists, catch 15 with arms hidden in their body

By KINGSLEY OMONOBI

ABUJA — As the military onslaught to dislodge Boko Haram terrorists from the North Eastern part of the country continues, specially trained counter terrorists dogs of the Nigerian Army have helped to arrest over 50 terrorists who tried to infiltrate Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital.

Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade who made this known in a statement, however, disclosed that 15 of the terrorists were arrested with arms concealed in their body or property.

The Statement titled ‘Trained Dogs help track terrorists’, reads, “The efforts of the specially trained dogs have so far led to the arrest of over 50 terrorists who were trying to infiltrate Maiduguri. More than 15 of them were arrested with arms concealed in their body or property.

“Trained Military Police dogs are participating in the cordon and search phase of Special Operations against terrorism in the country.

“Various attempts being made by the insurgents to escape and enter towns and cities in the North East as troops dislodge them from their forest bases, have been foiled by the dogs.

“Meanwhile, cordon and search has been intensified as the forests in the North East are being combed for terrorists”.

“At Deseri forest, three Hilux vehicles mounted with anti-aircraft were destroyed; one Voxwagen Golf car and four motorcycles were also recovered”.