Senate cuts holiday, resumes plenary session for urgent national issues.
Today, the Red Chamber of the National Assembly (Senate) will resume plenary session as they have decided to cut short their Sallah break by one legislative day. Originally, the Senate was scheduled to reconvene on Tuesday, July 2, 2024.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information, Yemi Adaramodu, announced this change on Wednesday. He did not provide a specific reason for summoning the lawmakers ahead of the scheduled resumption but emphasized that the parliament has the authority to amend its calendar.
In a brief notification, Adaramodu stated, “It’s our statutory resumption from the Sallah break. The Senate has the constitutional power to regulate its sessions, and we believe that we could gain one more legislative day to deal with national and constitutional issues, hence the decision to bring forward the initial July 2 resumption date.
“We hope to address issues concerning our further oversight on the Appropriations and to clear outstanding constitutional and electoral concerns. Additionally, we aim to resolve pending bills and motions before our annual recess later in the year.”
Speculation is rife that one of the urgent national issues the Senate might be eager to discuss is the approval or rejection of the Presidency’s proposal to purchase two additional aircraft for the presidential fleet.
Last week, the Senate President made a controversial comment suggesting that the Senate would approve the purchase of new aircraft for the President and Vice President despite the widespread hunger in the country.
Denying the report, Akpabio stated, “I want to dispel the rumour that you are hearing that the Senate President said he will buy a new plane for the President and his Vice, irrespective of the fact that Nigerians are hungry or whatever.
“I never said that. I was actually in Zanzibar, Tanzania. It is the handiwork of propagandists and fifth columnists, who never see anything good in what we are doing.”
The Senate’s decision to cut short their break underscores their commitment to addressing pressing national issues and fulfilling their legislative duties. By gaining an extra legislative day, the senators aim to expedite their oversight functions and resolve key national and constitutional matters efficiently. This proactive step reflects the Senate’s dedication to ensuring effective governance and addressing the needs of the nation in a timely manner.
As the plenary session resumes, all eyes will be on the Red Chamber to see how the senators navigate these critical issues and what decisions will be made regarding the proposed aircraft purchase and other significant legislative matters. The Senate’s ability to adapt its schedule for the greater good highlights the importance of flexibility in legislative operations, especially when dealing with urgent national concerns.
What are reactions as the Senate cuts holiday and resumes plenary session in order to attend to urgent national issues?
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