PeakNews Online
Abuja, Nigeria – July 31, 2024 – The National Assembly Complex in Abuja is under heavy security as lawmakers convene for an emergency plenary session today. The increased security measures include a barricade at the entrance, with the Sergeant-at-Arms requiring identification cards for entry at the MOPOL Gate. The heightened security is reportedly aimed at preventing potential protests at the venue.
The emergency session, announced by both the Red and Green Chambers on Sunday, comes in response to urgent legislative matters requiring immediate attention.
Rotimi Akin, spokesperson for the House of Representatives, issued a statement on Monday confirming the session. The statement, authorized by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., noted, “The House of Representatives has scheduled an emergency plenary session for Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Honourable members have been summoned from their constituencies to attend this critical session. This directive was communicated through an internal memorandum by the Clerk of the House, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, Esq., on Sunday.”
Akin emphasized that reconvening from recess to tackle pressing national issues is a common practice for the House.
Similarly, a memo from the Clerk of the Senate, Francis Akubueze, indicated that the Senate will also hold an emergency session today. According to the memo, “The President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has directed that an emergency plenary sitting be convened.” The session is scheduled to start at noon.
The increased security and urgent sessions underscore the importance of the issues at hand for Nigeria’s legislative bodies.
