President Goodluck Jonathan has ignored northern leaders who told him not to extend the emergency rule in the three north-eastern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, arguing that it has not solved the problem of insecurity in the region.
In a letter to the Senate, President Jonathan urged it to approve the extension of emergency rule in the three states by six months.
He informed the upper parliament that even though the security situation in the region has improved, there is still much to be done to end the security challenges in the affected states.
The letter was read on the floor of the Senate by Deputy Senate President, Ike Enweremadu, who presided over plenary in the absence of Senate President, David Mark.
Jonathan said the request for extension of the emergency became necessary due to the persistent and deadly attacks unleashed in the three affected states by the Boko Haram terrorist group resulting in huge casualty.
He said the request was in line with the provisions of the Section 305 (6) (c) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
“By virtue of the provisions of Section 305 (6) (c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the proclamation aforementioned would have elapsed after six months from the date of approval of the National Assembly.
“However, 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.
“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 forgoing, 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,” Jonathan stated.
It would be recalled that the Senate upon consideration of the security realities in the three states, had in November 2013 approved a six-month extension of the emergency rule after the expiration of the first term.
The current term of the emergency rule in the three States is expected to expire on May 19, 2014
Similarly, the House of Representatives will today debate President Goodluck Jonathan’s request for extension of the state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, the Speaker, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, has said.
Tambuwal stated this at plenary yesterday in Abuja when he read the President’s letter of request.
Jonathan, relying on the provisions of Section 305(6) (c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), said in spite of the pending emergency rule, “the security situation in the three states remained daunting’’.
“Honourable members, 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,” the letter read.
Jonathan urged the lawmakers to consider and approve by resolution, the extension of the proclamation of the state of emergency in the affected states by a further term of six months from the date of expiration of the current term.
It would be recalled that Jonathan had proclaimed a state of emergency in the three states on May 14, 2013, following onslaughts by members of the Boko Haram sect.
The emergency rule was extended for another six months, beginning from November 12, 2013 after same was approved by the National Assembly.

States Chairmen and Secretaries of Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) at the NCPC Conference of States in Abuja, yesterday