The National Assembly is set to hold an emergency plenary session this Wednesday, in response to escalating nationwide protests planned by the youth. The Senate and House of Representatives have decided to cut short their annual break to address urgent legislative matters.
The protests, scheduled to begin on August 1, 2024, have garnered widespread attention and support from young people across the country. Despite calls for postponement, organizers remain firm in their decision to proceed.
House of Representatives Spokesperson Rotimi Akin confirmed the session’s urgency. According to his statement: “The House of Representatives, pursuant to the directive of Speaker Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, has scheduled a plenary session for Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Honourable Members have been summoned from their constituencies for this crucial session. The directive was communicated via an internal memorandum from the Clerk of the House, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, Esq., on Sunday.”
The House had only recently commenced its annual recess on July 23, 2024, a period typically used by members to engage with their constituencies and gather public input. However, it is common for the House to reconvene if pressing national issues arise. This upcoming session will tackle such critical matters, with all members expected to attend.
Simultaneously, the Senate will also hold an emergency session on Wednesday. As per a memo from the Clerk of the Senate, Francis Akubueze, the session has been directed by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, and will begin at noon. Senators have been summoned to discuss key national issues.
The National Assembly had previously adjourned plenary until September 17, but the urgency of the current situation has necessitated this early return. The planned protests and the government’s response to them are expected to be high on the agenda during these sessions.
