EMERGENCY RULE IN 3 STATES EXPIRES IN MAY –SENATE

Contrary to media reports, the state of emergency declared by President Goodluck Jonathan in three North- East states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe will expire on May 12 six months after it was approved, Chairman Senate committee on Rules and Business Ita Enang has said.
Speaking to Daily Trust on the telephone yesterday, Enang (PDP, Akwa Ibom) said the emergency rule takes effect from the date it was approved by the National Assembly and not the date it was declared by the President.
“The instrument of approval takes effect from the date it was approved but not when it was declared and it will last for exactly six months,” Enang said.
However, Senator Enang said he would not comment on whether it should be extended or not until President Goodluck Jonathan sends in a request seeking for its extension.
The emergency rule was first declared in May last year by President Jonathan to curb rising Boko Haram insurgents’ attack. It expired on November 12, 2013.
Jonathan also requested the National Assembly to extend it for another six months.
Already, many lawmakers especially those from the three affected states have expressed stiff opposition to rumored plans by the federal government to extend the emergency rule.
Source: Daily Trust