August 1 Protests: NASS Holds Emergency Session Wednesday

The National Assembly has recalled its members from annual recess and will hold an emergency plenary session on Wednesday, July 31^st to discuss issues of national importance.

The decision was reportedly made in response to the planned nationwide protests against hardship in the country scheduled for August 1.

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives had previously adjourned until September 17, 2024, but the emergency plenary has been called to address pressing national issues.

The memo reads: “The President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has directed that an emergency plenary sitting of the Senate be convened.

“Distinguished Senators are requested to make all necessary arrangements to attend as issues of national importance will be discussed.

 “We regret all the inconveniences that this interruption of the recess will cause. Thanks for your usual understanding.”

Similarly, Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Rep Rotimi Akin Jr. in a statement on Monday, said the plenary will focus on critical matters requiring immediate legislative attention.

Akin noted that it was customary for the House to reconvene from recess to address pressing national issues.

The statement read, “The House of Representatives wishes to announce that, pursuant to the directive of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., a plenary session has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

“Honourable Members have been duly summoned from their respective constituencies to attend this crucial session. This directive was communicated through an internal memorandum issued by the Clerk of the House, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, Esq., on Sunday.”

It added, “The House had commenced its annual recess on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. The Annual Recess provides Honourable Members with the opportunity to engage extensively with their constituencies, ensuring that the legislative process remains attuned to public input.

“This period also allows for in-depth engagements at the grassroots, facilitating a deeper understanding of the constituents’ needs and priorities.”