EMERGENCY RULE: SENATE DRILLS SECURITY CHIEFS

Senators, who have twice failed to take a common position on President Goodluck Jonathan’s request for the extension of state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, will today drill service chiefs on the security situation and the need for martial rule in the affected states.
The Inspector-General of Police, Abba Suleiman will also appear before the Upper House to explain last week’s invasion of the National Assembly by his men.
After the interrogation of the security chiefs, the Senators will decide whether to approve or reject the President’s request like the House of Representatives.
Senate Committee Chairman on Business and Rules, Senator Ita Enang, declined comment on the matter yesterday, simply saying that 109 Senators would determine whether the President’s request should be endorsed.
The debate on the President’s request started two weeks ago with most northern Senators stoutly opposed to any form of extension of state of emergency in the three states which have been under martial rule for the past 18 months.
The Upper Chamber however resolved to continue the discussion on the issue today after Senate President, David Mark shutdown the National Assembly after the police and members of the National Assembly clashed.
Apart from the invitation of service chiefs, the Senate mandated Mark to contact governors of the affected states for more information on the security situation in their states.
After the closed-door session, Mark announced that “the Senate in executive session discussed the letter from Mr. President on the extension of the state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States. We had a very robust and detailed discussion and we will continue the discussion on Thursday.”
The Senate President asked whether what he said was a true reflection of what transpired in the Executive Session.
The Senators answered in the affirmative.
Source: Pilot