PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has extended the current state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states by six months, even as Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State rejected the extension, describing it as unjustified and punitive.
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.
Nyako reacts
Meanwhile, Governor Nyako, in a statement Wednesday, rejected the request by President Jonathan to extend the six-month-old state of emergency in the state, describing the action as unjustified and punitive.
The statement, which was signed by Nyako’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Sajoh, faulted the President for declaring a state of emergency in the state and asked the lawmakers to reject the request regarding Adamawa.
The governor said: “It is not fair for a President to be so disdainful towards the welfare of his people. We condemn any attempt to extend emergency rule in Adamawa State.
“As a government, we see the renewed bid for the imposition of a state of emergency in Adamawa as an affront on the people of the state and a negative reward for their endurance and cooperation so far.
“We call on the NASS to review the situation carefully and treat every state on its merit.”
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