BEVERLY HILLS, CA, November 13, (THEWILL) – The House of Representatives Wednesday invited the Service Chiefs to appear before it on Thursday, November 14 to brief lawmakers on the state of security in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States.
The resolution to summon the service chiefs was consequent upon the adoption of a motion on the ‘extension of the period for the proclamation of a state of emergency (certain states of the federation)’ moved by the House Leader, Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola (PDP, Oyo).
While presenting the motion, Akande-Adeola noted that the House was fully aware that the president had, in a letter to the House on November 12 provided a detailed report by the Chief of Army Staff on the current security situation in the affected states.
She however added that “recognising the efforts so far made by the security personnel deployed to the affected areas in curtailing the activities of the insurgents and some security challenges that still exist in some parts of the affected areas and “cognisant of the provision of section 305(6)(c)” that states that the House must pass the proclamation for extension of state of emergency to remain in force from time to time for a period of six months, the security chiefs should give them detailed analysis of the situation on ground.
The House leader recalled that, “the emergency powers (general) regulations, 2013, covered the North Eastern States of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe,” adding that “by virtue of the provisions of section 305 (6)(c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999,the proclamation will elapse after a period of six months from the date of approval, except the period is extended by the National Assembly.”
It will be recalled that President Jonathan had last week written to both chambers seeking extension of emergency rule in the affected states. The Senate has already approved the request, while the House is yet to consider the request.
