Emergency rule: Senate Postpones Debate On Jonathan’s Request, Summons Service Chiefs

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Wednesday, May 14th, 2014

By Muyiwa Bamidele

The Nigerian Senate has deferred the debate on President Jonathan’s request to extend the emergency rules in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states.

The president had on Tuesday in a letter addressed to the senate sought to extend the emergency rule in the 3 northern states for additional 6 months.

Meanwhile, the Senate postponed debate on the request following a motion moved by the Senate Leader, Victor Udoma Egba to allow the Presidency to gazette the proclamation of the extension of the emergency rules in accordance with the constitution.

The postponement was also to allow senators to evaluate the performances of the country security operatives in the on going military campaign against activities of the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram in the North Eastern part of the country.

As a result, the Senate has summoned all the nation military service chiefs to appear before the upper chamber in order to aid their deliberations on the request of the President.

Those summoned are minister of Defence, General Aliya Gusau, the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Kenneth Tobiah Minimah, Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin, and Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Adesola Nunayon Amosu.

Others include National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki and inspector general of police, Muhammed Abubakar.

They are expected to appear tomorrow (Thursday) at the senate chamber.