A heightened security presence has been deployed in and around the National Assembly Complex in Abuja as lawmakers hold an emergency plenary session today.
In an unusual move, the Sergeant-at-Arms has barricaded the entrance to the National Assembly, enforcing strict identification checks at the MOPOL Gate. This increased security is reportedly aimed at preventing potential protests from disrupting the proceedings.
The Red and Green Chambers had announced the emergency session for today, Wednesday, following a notice issued on Sunday.
In a statement on Monday, the spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Rotimi Akin, clarified that the session would address urgent legislative matters requiring immediate attention.
“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,” the statement read. “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 further noted that it is not uncommon for the House to reconvene during recess to tackle pressing national issues.
Similarly, a memo from the Clerk of the Senate, Francis Akubueze, informed Senators of the Red Chamber’s session today. “The President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has directed that an emergency plenary sitting of the Senate be convened,” the memo stated, adding that the session would commence at noon.
