UN resumes humanitarian operations in Northeast
The United Nations yesterday resumed humanitarian services in the Northeast after its one- day suspension of operations in the region. The suspension followed what it described as breach of its diplomatic immunity by the Nigerian Army, which cordoned off its Pompomari, Maiduguri office, Friday, in search of Boko Haram terrorists.
This situation immediately led to security meetings with the UN Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator, Peter Lundberg, Governor Kashim Shettima, the Army and other security agencies.
Governor Shettima and Lundberg addressed a joint press conference yesterday to announce the resumption of the UN humanitarian activities in the insurgency- battered region.
“Borno State government has been exceptionally collaborative in enabling intervention by UN agencies, development partners from supportive countries and nongovernmental organizations,” Governor Shettima acknowledged, adding, “they assist us in the immense task of helping our displaced brothers and sisters and in trying to end the Boko Haram crisis.”
“Yesterday’ s (Friday’s) incident was a regrettable 24- hour setback on our well- established relationship with the UN, Governor Kashim admitted, saying, however, “We were quick to take steps in rebuilding our partnership with the United Nations; as chairman of the Borno state security council, I immediately convened a security council meeting at the Government House, Peter Lundberg was in attendance and so where the GOC 7 Div of the Nigerian Army, the Commissioner of Police, the Director SS, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and the Deputy Governor.
“We discussed all the issues and reaffirmed our joint agreement and commitment concerning the sincere role of the UN, the sanctity if their premises and workers in line with the international best practices.
“I was on a call with the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mrs. Amina Mohammed, and I reassured her of our commitment to safeguarding humanitarian workers with the UN and all partners”, he said.
Mr. Lundberg, in his address, said, “yesterday (Friday) was a day of tumultuous events that generated significant media coverage and therefore today (yesterday) is extremely helpful to provide some clarity as there has been a great deal of confusion and misinformation.
“I am very pleased to report that our relationship of collaboration and trust is intact, and at this stage, we are focussed on the work ahead to ensure that the millions of vulnerable people in the Northeast are supported with lifesaving humanitarian aid”.