ABUJA—Stiff opposition from most senators greeted the fresh request by President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday for an extension of state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states and had to defer further debate on the request till today. The House of Representatives, on its part will reconvene tomorrow to deliberate on the president’s request.
President Jonathan, in his letter to the National Assembly had sought the approval of the lawmakers for an extension of the emergency rule for the third time, saying that the security challenges that necessitated the proclamation are yet to abate.
The Senate, had after majority of members had rejected discussion on the emergency rule extension in their voice vote, embarked on a close-door meeting that lasted for about two hours to take a common position.
On resumption, the Senate President, David Mark stated that “The senate had entered into a close-door meeting to debate the letter from Mr. President for extension of the state of emergency, we have a very extensive debate on it and we will continue with the debate tomorrow (today).”
The President, in his letter, which was read by Senator Mark stated, “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 and extended for a further period of six months by the National Assembly as conveyed by the Clerk of the National Assembly dated 21st of May, 2014.
“By virtue of provisions of Sections 305, Subsection 6 (C) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, the proclamation afore- mentioned will elapse after a period of six months from the date of approval of the National Assembly except the period is extended by the National Assembly.
“It is important to state that despite concerted efforts by this administration to stem the tide of terrorism and insurgency in the affected states, the security challenges that necessitated the proclamation are yet to abate.
“Consequently, it has become imperative to request the approval of the senate for extension of the period for the state of emergency for a further period of six months.
“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 by a further period of six months from the date of expiration of the current period.
“I look forward distinguished Senate President to the usual kind expeditious consideration of the above request by the senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
To consider the President’s request, the Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba had, while relying on Order 40, moved motion for the consideration of the letter and he was supported by the Minority Leader, Senator George Akume.
But during the voice vote, voices of those who opposed consideration were louder, but Senate President ruled in favour of those in support of the consideration.
However, Senator Kabiru Marafa, representing Zamfara Central, who opposed the extension said, “Even if you are a student and you sit for the same examination three times, people need to ask question, it is either the teacher is bad, or the student is bad. But as the senate we can’t say we won’t approve it. We have to come up with something in its place.
Senator Ahmed Lawan, APC, who stoutly opposed the President’s request said, “We have no reason today to doubt their capacity except that so many things are fundamentally wrong and it is not in state of emergency or lack of it. The discussion about this and the debate will continue tomorrow (today), but I am totally opposed to it. I believe that after 18 months operation of the same emergency, we should look at another avenue because if you have tried something for 18 months and you are not getting results, each time you try a dosage of your medication, it gets worse, it will be stupid of you to continue to take the same dosage of medication.
Also speaking, Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno North said instead of the situation to improve, it just appeared the emergency rule had made it to be worse.
According to him, “All Nigerians know what is happening. The state of emergency three times that was granted have taken us from bad to worse. As the representative of my people, my entire constituents are clearly against the extension of the emergency rule because it restricts civilian movements and allows the insurgents to move freely and have a field day. When people are sleeping in the night, insurgents are freely moving around. By 6pm, the whole towns are closed, civilians cannot move but the insurgents do. What is on ground that will change the situation, that did not happen before.
Reps hold special session tomorrow
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives will cut short its break and resume tomorrow to deliberate on the president’s request for an extension of emergency rule in the three north east states.
The House had on October 28 taken a recess and fixed December 3, 2014 as its resumption date.
A statement by the Speaker of the House, Aminu Tambuwal confirming the new resumption date said, “On Tuesday, 18th November 2014, I received a communication from President Goodluck Jonathan requesting for the extension of the existing State of Emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states by the House of Representatives.
