Just In: Pres. Jonathan Wants State Of Emergency Extended In 3 States By 6 Months; Writes To National Assembly.

President Goodluck Jonathan has written to the National Assembly seeking an extension of the state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe by another six months.

The president’s letter was read on the Senate floor on Tuesday morning.

This May makes it one year since the emergency was announced in the three north-eastern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. It was first expected to last for six months, but in November it was extended for another six months after a similar letter from Pres. Jonathan.

A further extension will ensure it continues to November, three months to the general elections in Nigeria.

The emergency rule has come under criticism from some Northern governors and elders who contend that the state of emergency has been ineffective in reducing or stopping Boko Haram.

The extension of the emergency rule would have to be approved by both chambers of the National Assembly to be considered legal.