President Goodluck Jonathan Tuesday requested the Senate to approve extension of emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States.
In a letter sent to the Upper Chamber and read by Senate President David Mark, the President noted that the security challenges that informed the proclamation of emergency rule have not abated despite efforts by government to root Boko Haram insurgents out of the region.
The letter reads,” by virtue of the provision of section 305(6)(c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, the proclamation aforementioned will elapse after a period is extended by National Assembly.
“It is important to state that despite concerted efforts by this administration to stem the tide of terrorism and insurgency in the affected states, the security challenges that necessitated the proclamation are yet to abate.
“Consequently, it has become imperative to request the approval of the senate for extension of the period for state emergency for a further period of six months.
Following escalation of attacks by the Boko Haram insurgents in the north-eastern part of the country, President Jonathan on May 14, 2014 proclaimed a state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. The emergency rule has since been renewed twice.
Meanwhile, members of the Senate after about one hour closed doors session deferred approval of the extension till Wednesday.
Senate President David Mark said after the meeting that they met and discussed on extension of emergency rule, saying discussion would continue tomorrow (Wednesday).
