FG stops registration of non-indigenes

The Federal Government has directed governors whose states are registering and deporting ‘non-indigenes’ to stop the practice forthwith, describing such move as more dangerous than the Boko Haram insurgency.The government gave the directive yesterday after the National Security Council meeting chaired by President Goodluck Jonathan.The council particularly expressed fears that the registration and deportation of […]

The Federal Government has directed governors whose states are registering and deporting ‘non-indigenes’ to stop the practice forthwith, describing such move as more dangerous than the Boko Haram insurgency.
The government gave the directive yesterday after the National Security Council meeting chaired by President Goodluck Jonathan.
The council particularly expressed fears that the registration and deportation of Nigerians in states could disintegrate the country.
The closed door meeting, which was held inside the president’s office, was attended by all the security chiefs.
Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar simply told State House journalists after the meeting that insurgency, the abducted Chibok schoolgirls as well as the registration and deportation of Nigerians in some states of the federation were discussed.
But the Director-General of the Department of State Security (DSS), Ita Ekpeyong said the meeting condemned the registration and deportation of the so called non-indigenes in states and directed that it be stopped forthwith.
He said the council discussed people’s reactions to the incident in Kano and other states and observed that the threat it posed could disintegrate the country.
“The IG has told you what was discussed at the meeting, the fight against Boko Haram, the efforts made by government to rescue the Chibok girls and the issue of deportation and registration of Nigerians in some states of the federation. We regard this as even more potent than Boko Haram.
“The council discussed the reaction by some groups in Kano State and other parts of the country. The council observed that this threat was more potent than Boko Haram and could disintegrate the country. And we take this very seriously, for people to deport people, for people to take people from one place to the other, for registration of indigenes no matter where they are. They are free to settle anywhere they like.”
He said Nigerians were free to live anywhere in the country.
“As a matter of fact, to show the urgency, the Council of State meeting will be held anytime next week to discuss these issues,” Ekpeyong said.
On the continued stay of Chibok schoolgirls in captivity, the DSS boss reiterated that the security agencies knew their (the girls’) location, but did not want to endanger their lives.
He assured that efforts towards rescuing the captives were ongoing, stressing, however, that the security forces wanted to take it “gradually” and secure their release at the appropriate time.”
He said: “We know where they are, but we don’t want to endanger their lives. That is the truth. You can go to bed with that.”.
He said the government and the security agencies viewed the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency as a football game where only the winning goal is remembered.