The Senate President, Sen. David Mark, made this known in Abuja after a two-hour closed-door meeting at plenary.
He said the senate would continue discussions on the request on Thursday with the service chiefs in attendance.
“We had a very robust and detailed discussion and we will continue the discussion tomorrow.
“The Senate also resolved that we will invite the service chiefs to appear before the Senate to be part of our discussion tomorrow,`` he said.
Some senators, who spoke to newsmen after the closed-door meeting, expressed opposition to the extension of emergency rule in the North East.
Sen. Kabiru Gaya (APC-Kano), urged the president to device alternative means of tackling the insurgency in the affected states rather than request for extension of emergency rule.
“Many of us are opposed to it and I am particularly vehemently opposed to it. I believe that we should explore other avenues but some other people feel differently.
“Was there state of emergency in the Niger Delta before the operations of the military was undertaken and successfully too. I believe that we could do without the state of emergency in the North East too.
“But we have to get our priorities right, we have to get our tactics and strategies right. We haven’t succeeded in the last 18 months and I am sure, I am convinced beyond any reasonable doubt that this time around it will not make any difference,`` he said.
Similarly, Sen. Ahmed Lawan (APC-Yobe), said the emergency rule in the three states did not yield the expected result and that an extension would not be necessary.
He, however, said that the lawmakers would arrive at a decision after meeting with the service chiefs.
“There are a lot of things to be answered by the service chiefs because we can’t just simply grant like that without inviting them to tell us what really happened.
“We have to wait and hear from the service chiefs.
“If they are able to answer our questions, then we will take the next step,`` he said.
However, Sen. Boluwaji Kunlere (PDP-Ondo), expressed support for the extension of emergency rule, stressing that the fight should not be left for vigilance groups and local hunters.
“People must be properly protected, including the president, the senate and the citizens as well.
“What is the alternative for now, especially that the thing is expiring tomorrow?
“Can anybody come out to say that the celebrated hunters in the North East can take charge of the situation?
“Even if anybody can come out to say ‘yes’, will the law be on the side of such people? That is the question we must ponder on to be able to take a reasonable decision,” he said.
Source:
http://aitonline.tv/post-senate_summons_service_chiefs_over_emergency_rule_extension
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