By Olusegun Lawrence The House of Representatives Thursday rejected President Goodluck Jonathan’s request for an extension of emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States.
The lawmakers who arrived at the decision at a closed door session anchored the rejection on the fact that in the last one and half year, emergency rule has not yielded any positive result.
However, they advised the President to always make use of his powers as contained in Section 8 of the Armed Forces Act.
According to Zakari Mohammed, Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, the Section empowers the President and Commander-in-Chief to deploy troops to any troubled spots across the country.
Briefing the media after the closed door session, Mohammed stated, “Based on Hon. Leo Ogor’s motion, we have not extended the emergency rule, rather we have asked the President to rely on the Section 8 of the Armed Forces Act which empowers him to deploy the military to troubled spots of the country. We relied on that bearing in mind that if we had approved this today, it would have been the fourth in the series.
“You remember emergency rule started in May, 2013 and therefore, we have done three extensions. If we had extended today, that would have been fourth in the series and anything you are doing, you should be able to take stock to be able to see whether or not that action you are taking is yielding results.
“We would be doing more good if Mr President rely on that more because if we are adopting a particular stand and is not giving us desired result, we should be able to change course.
“And the armed forces are to be empowered to deploy soldiers or members of the armed forces to any troubled point of this country for them to take necessary action. So, I think that is what came out from the executive session we had where this issue was looked at closely.
“So, all these are ancillary, that is, they are the fortress on which that motion was moved by Hon. Leo Ogor at least for him ( President) to explore constitutional provisions rather than emergency rule.
“Emergency rule is expected to elapse today (Thursday) and if the House is in session, it means that you need just two days before you renew but if you are not in session you can wait for 10 days maximum to be able effect it.”
Prompt News recalls that President Jonathan declared a state of emergency in the three states on May 14, 2013, following escalation of attacks by Boko Haram insurgents.
Meanwhile, the members of the APC in the House may have commenced move to impeach President Jonathan.
It was gathered that have so far collected about 120 signatures to commence the impeachment process against the President.
The President is being accused of undermining the authority of the House and exhibiting disdain for the principle of Separation of Powers.
Earlier in the day, the Inspector General of Police Suleiman Abba had deployed policemen that locked the Speaker out of the National Assembly and also tear gassed the Chamber.
Prompt News also recalls that the IGP had ordered the withdrawal of the Speaker’s security aides following his defection to the APC, citing constitutional provision.
