The Times of Nigeria
"Jonathan Declares State Of Emergency
In Borno, Yobe, Plateau And Niger"
written by: Thisday
Published: 31 December 2011 Accessed: 18 March 2012
click here to access article
Brief Summary of the Article:
Due to recent actions of terrorist groups, Nigerian President Jonathan has issued a state of emegency in fifteen regions of the country within four of the federal states. This state of emergency declaration includes the closing of borders through Local Governments of Borno, Niger, Yobe, and Plateau. Jonathan commented that the activies of what originally appeared to be sectarian violence has now rippled out of control into a situation which has treatened houses of worship, vital institutions of government, and the United Nations Building. Citing section 305(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, the President declared: "Terrorism is a war against all of us. I call on all Nigerians to join hands with government to fight these terrorists." Jonathan further claimes that democratic institutions would remain active while the national government continued to monitor the areas under threat of future attack.
Your Thoughts, Comments, and/or Reaction:
Much has been shared throughout the international media regarding multiple attacks, especially at churches and mosques, within northern Nigeria over the past several months. It must be somewhat comforting to the people who live in the areas of terrorist threat that their national government officials are taking a decisive stand in an effort to remove the threat. While the President is using Constitutional powers that he is able to use it does appear that he is, at least in public statements, committing to only using that power for the expressed purpose of fighting the terrorist threat; democratic institutions within the impacted regions are supposed to remain active.
Article's Relation to "Politics"
This article involves the President of Nigeria making use of his country's constitutional power to declare a state of emergency during a dire situation. The fact that this state of emergency is being declared within specific federal states and/or small local governmental regions also shows the incorporation of federalism within the political practices of Nigeria. Part of the President's statements regarding the emergency state included statements in which powers of the local democratic institutions would remain in effect, thus indicating his continued respect for federalism inspite of the terrorist threat at hand.