The Nigerian Senate has approved the state of emergency declared last week in three states believed to be the epicentre of Islamist insurgency in the country.

The Senate, after a closed-door session with 100 members (out of the 109 members), approved unanimously by a voice vote the official gazette of the state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States, transmitted to it by President Goodluck Jonathan.

“We, therefore, approve Mr. President’s request for a declaration of state of emergency,” said Senate President, David Mark, after the voice vote.

The Constitution requires an endorsement by a minimum of 72 senators representing two-third of the total members.

Mark said: “We must emphasise very emphatically that all democratic structures must be left in place and they must be allowed to operate fully and actively and they must also be involved in all the effort by the Federal Government to put this ugly situation to an end.”

The Senate emphasized that the armed forces should be issued proper code of conduct where they will be humane, benevolent and to make sure that all citizens are treated with utmost respect.