- Title: NIGERIA: Parliament meets to discuss ongoing security issues facing the nation
- Date: 15th May 2014
- Summary: ABUJA, NIGERIA (MAY 15, 2014) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF SENATORS STANDING IN PARLIAMENT SENATORS WAITING FOR SESSION TO START SPEAKER OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES VARIOUS OF SENATORS LISTENING SECURITY CHIEFS ARRIVE FOR SESSION SECURITY CHIEFS SEATED (SOUNDBITE) (English) SENATOR, SMART ADEYEMI, SAYING: "The service chiefs came to convince us, tried to convince us the need for us to support the emergency rule, but the senators from those states were opposed to it and they had their reasons. The service chiefs came with more superior argument, so as it is now we are meditating over all the positions of those who, senators who represent those states and the opinion of the service chiefs, so I am sure by Tuesday we would have made up our minds but between now and then we will be holding consultation to look at all the submission from the service chiefs and the legislators." VARIOUS OF LEGISLATORS SITTING AND CHATTING CAMERAMEN FILMING VARIOUS OF LEGISLATORS SITTING (SOUNDBITE) (English) SENATOR, AHMED LAWAN, SAYING: "We have given the federal government the state of emergency on our state for 12 months, by next week we believe it is time that the state of emergency is not extended." VARIOUS EXTERIORS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
- Embargoed: 30th May 2014 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Nigeria
- Country: Nigeria
- Topics: Crime,Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA4H41NO1JXZG2C5OPS61ZJ95RB
- Story Text: Nigerian senators and members of the House of Representatives on Thursday (May 15) met with security chiefs to discuss ongoing security issues facing the nation, with the focus of the discussion on whether to extend the state of emergency in the north-east.
President Goodluck Jonathan had on Tuesday (May 13) asked the parliament for a six-month extension of a state of emergency in three north-eastern states due to persistent attacks by Islamist rebel group Boko Haram.
Nigerian senator Smart Adeyemi spoke to reporters about the outcome of the closed door meeting.
"The service chiefs came to convince us and try to convince us to support the emergency rule but the senators from those states where opposed to it and they have their reasons. The service chiefs came with more superior argument, so as it is now we are meditating over all the positions of those senators who represent those states and the opinion of the service chiefs. I am sure by Tuesday we would have made up our minds but between now and then we will be holding consultation to look at the submission from the service chiefs and the legislators," explained Adeyemi.
A state of emergency was declared in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states last May and was extended in November.
Senators from the region are against the move to extend the state of emergency a second time.
"We have given the federal government the state of emergency on our state for 12 months, by next week we believe it is time that the state of emergency is not extended," Senator Ahmed Lawani said.
Boko Haram rebels stormed a school in the north-eastern village of Chibok a month ago and seized 276 girls who were taking exams.
Some have escaped, but about 200 remain missing.
On Monday, Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau released a video showing some of the girls in captivity and offered to release them in exchange for prisoners held by the government, an offer that has been rejected. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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