Jonathan seeks extension of emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno, Yobe

By The Citizen

President Goodluck Jonathan has written the National Assembly seeking an approval for the extension of the state of emergency in the three North-East states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe for another six months.

Jonathan, in a letter dated November 5, 2013, to the Senate President, David Mark, explained that the request was to enable the security agencies restore normalcy in the states.

The President said: '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 success in containing the activities of the terrorist elements. 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.'

The President demanded that the approval by the National Assembly be made on or before November 12, apparently in order not to be in breach of the provisions of the constitution.

Jonathan had on May 13 this year during a national broadcast declared an emergency rule in the three northern states.

He explained that the decision was consequent upon the deteriorating state of insecurity in the three states.

The President had said: 'Following recent developments in the affected states, it has become necessary for government to take extraordinary measures to restore normalcy.

'After wide consultations, and in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the provisions of Section 305, sub-section 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I hereby declare a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.'

Consequently, the Chief of Defence Staff was directed to immediately deploy more troops to these states for more effective internal security operations.

The National Assembly had on May 26 approved the emergency rule declared by the President in accordance with the provisions of Section 305 of the 1999 constitution as amended.

The emergency rule declared in the three northern states in May is to expire this month and it was in accordance with the requirements of Section 305(6)(c) of the constitution.