A significant security presence has been established around the National Assembly Complex in Abuja as lawmakers convene for an emergency plenary session today.
In a departure from usual practice, the Sergeant-At-Arms has barricaded the entrance, requiring identification cards for access at the MOPOL Gate. This heightened security is reportedly aimed at preventing potential protests from gathering at the venue.
The emergency session, which was announced by both the Red and Green Chambers on Sunday, is set to address critical issues requiring urgent legislative attention.
The statement read, “The House of Representatives wishes to announce that, pursuant to the directive of the Speaker, 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.”
Akin noted that it is customary for the House to reconvene from recess to address pressing national issues.
Similarly, a memo from the Clerk of the Senate, Francis Akubueze, to Senators indicated that the Red Chamber would also be sitting on Wednesday. The memo read:
“The President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has directed that an emergency plenary sitting of the Senate be convened,” it added.
According to a statement from Rotimi Akin, spokesperson for the House of Representatives, the plenary will begin at noon today.
