The declaration of emergency rule in some local government areas in the country is null and void, because the national assembly has not given any approval to it, Victor Lar, the senator representing Plateau North has said.
Speaking in an interview with journalists in Jos, Plateau State capital, he said it was either President Goodluck Jonathan was not properly guided or was ill advised to take such a hasty decision.

Senator Lar however sees the removal of subsidy, as a sound economic consideration and a policy in the right direction.
On the state of Emergency, he said for the President to quote section 305 of the constitution to justify the declaration in Jos North, Jos South, Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State among others was not properly adopted because, that section stipulates that the National Assembly would have been reached within 48 hours for its approval.

“The national assembly has been on recess since December 18, as such, the declaration is a nullity because it has not been approved. I would have applauded Mr. President on this declaration because the essence is to grant emergency powers,” he stressed.


Lar stated further that legally speaking, 48 hours after proclamation, the NASS should be able to grant an approval if not, it becomes a nullity. NASS approval has not been granted, its illegal”
He quoted the Supreme Court’s verdict on emergency declaration, which he explained was not meant to destabilize any democratic structure, but to grant the governor more powers so that security agencies can take orders from him for the purpose of maintain law and order.
According to him, the essence was to also give financial support to the governor, regulate movement of persons and power to the military to search any camp that may exist without the necessary warrant.

Commenting on the removal of oil subsidy, he stressed that for the mere fact that the absence of this provision in the 2012 appropriation was a clear indication that the subsidy has been removed from the 2012 budget.
It is a sound economic consideration and policy to remove the subsidy, this is because, it has been found out that before now, the price of petrol is cheaper in Nigeria. I am not saying it should be removed, but we should know that the subsidy ends in the hands of a cartel of about 30-40 people”
He added that if it would be beneficial to the people, he was in full support, but the government on its part, must make efforts to ensure that it has a structure on ground that would monitor the execution of projects, the government intends to do with the subsidy fund.