From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Ahead of the planned protest against hunger and bad governance scheduled for August 1 to 10, the Senate and the House of Representatives will, tomorrow, reconvene for an emergency plenary session to deliberate on critical national issues.
This was made known in separate notices to members of the two chambers.
On July 23, the National Assembly embarked on their annual recess to resume on September 17.
An internal memo from the clerk of the Senate, read: “Dear distinguished senators. The President of the Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio, 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 inconveniences that this interruption of the recess will cause. Thanks for your usual understanding.”
Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi Jnr, in a statement, said: “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, Yahaya Danzaria, on Sunday,” he said.
The House, which commenced its annual vacation on July 23, was scheduled to reconvene on September 17.
Rotimi said legislators will discuss ‘critical matters’ affecting the nation and urged members to be present.
“The annual recess provides members with the opportunity to engage extensively with their constituencies, ensuring 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.
“It is, however, customary for the House to reconvene from recess to address pressing national issues.
“The forthcoming session will focus on critical matters requiring immediate legislative attention.
“members are expected to make the necessary arrangements to ensure their presence.”
Rotimi said Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the House of Representatives, will also engage young Nigerians through a town hall meeting at the National Assembly on Wednesday.
“This town hall is a key component of the legislative agenda of the 10th House, which emphasises sustained youths engagement and the promotion of youths political participation.
“It is designed to provide a platform for young Nigerians to voice their concerns, share their ideas, and engage directly with legislative leaders on issues impacting their lives and futures.
“This initiative aims to bridge the gap between policymakers and the younger generation, ensuring policies and laws are inclusive and address the specific needs of the youths,” Rotimi said.