Boko Haram: Jonathan seeks Senate nod to extend emergency rule in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa - SUN

Our Reporter November 7, 2013 

Senate may decide today
From ADETUTU FOLASADE-KOYI, Abuja
Same day the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North submitted its report, President Goodluck Jonathan has requested the National Assembly to extend the state of emergency proclaimed in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states by six months.
The president sought a fresh request for a six-month extension, in a November 5 letter addressed to Senate President David Mark and read to senators during yesterday’s plenary.
On May 14, President Jonathan proclaimed a partial state of emergency in the affected states to combat and curtail Boko  Haram insurgency in the North East.
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 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.”
Feelers indicate that the Senate may likely debate and take a decision on the president’s request today, being the only plenary before November 12 when the existing proclamation would expire.