President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has asked the Senate to approve the extension of the state of emergency in the three Northeastern states currently the home of Boko Haram attacks; Yobe, Adamawa & Borno.
In a letter adressed to the President of the Senate, David Mark, Jonathan explained that his decision was based on the fact that terrorism had yet to abate in the affected states.
“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 1999 Constitution as amended, the proclamation aforementioned would have elapsed after six months from the date of approval of the National Assembly.”
“However, after due consideration of the representations made to the Senate to the effect that, while substantial progress had been made to contain the situation and restore normalcy in the affected states, the security situation that necessitated the proclamation of a state of emergency was yet to abate.”
“It will be recalled that the Senate had upon consideration of the realities of the security situation in the affected states that had been placed before it, graciously approved by resolution, the extension of the state of emergency for a further term of six months from the date of expiration of the subsisting period.”
“Distinguished Senators, the security situation in the three states remains daunting, albeit to varying degrees, in the face of persistent attacks by members of the Boko Haram sect on civilian and military targets with alarming casualty rates.”
“In view of the foregoing, I most respectfully request distinguished Senators to consider and approve by resolution, the extension of the proclamation of the state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states by a further term of six months from the date of expiration of the current term.” said the letter, read by Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.
Against the extension of the state of emergency are the Adamawa Governor, Murtala Nyako & Senator representing Yobe North, Ahmed Lawan.
In a statement through his media aide, Nyako expressed opposition to the extension, saying the current state of emergency had failed.
“Our position on the issue remains the same. We have always opposed the imposition of a state of emergency on Adamawa State and we will continue to oppose it.”
“It is unnecessary, it is uncalled for and it does not fulfil the conditions for the imposition of a state of emergency as provided for in the 1999 Constitution but beyond that, there are no incidents in Adamawa State that would warrant an extension of the state of emergency.”
“It is under the state of emergency that schoolgirls were abducted. So, what is required is a change of strategy and not an extension of the same strategy that has failed.”