by Oge Okonkwo

The on-going state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states has been extended by an additional six months by the President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan.

In a letter dated November 5, 2013 written to the Senate President, David Mark, seeking approval for the extension, President Jonathan explained that he made the decision because  “some security challenges still exist in a few parts.”

He also acknowledged that through the support of citizens in the areas affected, security agencies stationed in those areas have achieved considerable success in curb the activities of the terrorists.

Vanguard Newspapers reports:

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 excerpt 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,”he explained.

The president further said: “Consequently,it has become pertinent to request the approval of the Distinguished Senate for an extension of the state of emergency for a further perioed 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 six months with effect from the 12th of November,2013,”he pleaded.

Recall that President Goodluck Jonathan, on May 11, 2013,declared state of emergency in the three states of Adamawa,Borno and Yobe states following insurgency in the region.