ABUJA, Nigeria, May 28 (UPI) -- The Nigerian Senate has unanimously endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan's proclamation of a state of emergency.
The legislation was imposed in Nigeria's Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states May 14 as a result of rising violence.
"Following recent developments in the affected states, it has become necessary for government to take extraordinary measures to restore normalcy," a declaration from Jonathon stated.
"After wide consultations, and in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the provisions of Section 305, sub-section 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I hereby declare a State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states."
Following the vote Senate President David Mark told legislators, "At the end of the day, we would like to support the federal government in this proclamation of state of emergency in the three states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states."
Public opinion remains divided about the issue, however, with residents of the three states struggling to cope with new security checks, restricted cellphone access and the imposition of a curfew, The Weekly Trust newspaper reported.
