President Goodluck Jonathan has extended the state of emergency in
Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states by six months over security challenges in
those states
Jonathan, in a letter dated November 5, 2013, to the Senate President,
David Mark, seeking approval for the extension, explained that he took the
decision because “some security challenges still exist in a few parts.”
However, he admitted that the security agencies, through the support of
citizens in the affected areas, have achieved considerable successes in
containing the activities of the terrorists.
He said by virtue of the provisions of Section 305(6) (C) of the
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, the proclamation of
emergency rule in the affected states 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 November 12.”
It will be recalled that the President, on May 11, 2013, declared
emergency rule in the three states, following insurgency in the region.