Jonathan seeks 6-month extension of state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno, Yobe

THE war against the Boko Haram menace is far from being over as President Goodluck Jonathan has sought the consent of the National Assembly for an extension of the state of emergency proclaimed in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

The fresh request for a six-month extension was contained in a letter written by the president, dated November 5, 2013 and addressed to the President of the Senate, Senator David Mark.

The president, with the approval of the legislature, had, last May, proclaimed a partial state of emergency in the affected states to combat insurgency of the sect.

Acknowledging that members of the Boko Haram sect are still holding sway in some parts of the state, he said an extension of the state of emergency is pertinent in order to restore full normalcy.

The letter, as read on the floor of the Senate, on Wednesday, by Senator Mark, read; “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 305 (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 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.

“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 12th of November, 2013.”
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