The Senate yesterday approved the extension of emergency rule in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa States.
The President had asked for an extension of emergency rule in the three states, in a letter delivered to the Senate on Wednesday.
After deliberating on the matter in a session led by Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, the Senate unanimously decided to extend the emergency rule.
The Senate also summoned the Service chiefs and the Minister of Foreign affairs in order to weight the impact of the emergency rule on the affected areas.
Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba said more time was required to restore lasting peace to the affected States.
He said: “Consequently, in compliance with Section 305 (6c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which states that ‘a proclamation issued by the President, under this section shall cease to have effect after a period of six months has elapsed since it has been in force, provided that the National Assembly may, before the expiration of six months as aforesaid extend the period for the proclamation of the state of emergency or remain in force from time to time, for a further period of six months by a resolution passed in like manner’.
“Accordingly, the Senate resolves to approve the request of Mr. President to extend the emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states on the same terms and conditions as earlier approved and gazetted.”