By: Sunday Oyewole President Goodluck Jonathan has requested the Senate to extend emergency rule which is currently in place in three north-eastern states of the country for another six months.
It will be recalled that the President on May 12, 2013, declared a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states following escalation of violence occasioned by frequent attacks by the dreaded Islamist sect, Boko Haram.
The President’s letter requesting for the extension was read by Senate President David Mark at plenary on Wednesday.
It has therefore, been slated for debate on Thursday. The letter reads, “May I respectfully draw your attention to the state of emergency Proclamation 2013, in respect of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, which was approved by the National Assembly.
“By virtue of the provisions of section 304(6) (c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, the Proclamation aforementioned will elapse after a period of six months from the date of approval except the period is extended by the National Assembly.
“As a result of the laudable efforts of our security agencies and the support of the citizens in the affected areas, we have achieved considerable successes in containing the activities of the terrorists. However, some security challenges still exist in a few parts.
“Consequently, it has become pertinent to request the approval of the Distinguished Senate for an extension of the State of Emergency for a further period of six months, during which time it is expected that normalcy would have been fully restored.
“In view of the foregoing, I most respectfully request the Distinguished Senate to consider and approve by resolution the extension of the Proclamation of the State of Emergency by a further period of six months with effect from the 12th of November 2013”.
