President Goodluck Jonathan seeks extension of emergency rule in three northern states

President Goodluck Jonathan seeks extension of emergency rule in three Northern states for another six months.

He has asked the National Assembly to approve the extension of emergency rule in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa - the states worst hit by the activities of Islamist sect Boko Haram. The state of emergency there has been declared there on May 14, 2013, and it will end in November unless prolonged.

In separate letters dated November 5, 2013 to the Senate and the House of Representatives, Jonathan explained why he took the decision, stating: 

Jonathan added that therefore it has become "pertinent" to ask for the approval of the emergency rule extension for another half a year, during which time "it is expected that normalcy would have been fully restored."

The provisions of section 305(6) (C) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999, stipulates that a state of emergency once declared in any part of the country can only last six months after which it must be renewed by the National Assembly. 

The new period, if approved by the National Assembly, will take effect from November 12.

The President's request followed a report delivered to him on Tuesday by the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges. The committee admitted its failure to reach out to the leadership of Boko Haram despite its efforts. Accepting the report, Jonathan said the FG will only look at possible ways to help victims Boko Haram's return to their routine activities and businesses but ruled out compensation payments to them. 

Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states have been under emergency rule since 14 May 2013 to curtail the violent activities of the Boko Haram sect that has killed nearly 4000 people since 2009 in attacks of security forces, religious houses, schools, and private residences.

"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." 

One of the latests attacks happened on October 2 when some 70 gunmen stormed the town of Bama, Borno, in a convoy of motorcycles and pickup trucks. According to the official information, 40 people were killed and 12 injured. About 300 houses were burnt. Another attack was carried out two days later in along Bama-Banki-Firgi highway in Michika local government area of Adamawa. A bridegroom, family members and friends were said to be among 30 persons killed yesterday in an attack by insurgents believed to be members of Boko Haram.

Source: Legit.ng