Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called for an urgent meeting of the Senate, citing “national importance” as the reason for the sudden convening. A circular issued by the Clerk, Chinedu Akubueze, and seen by News Point Nigeria, announced that the emergency plenary is scheduled for Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at 12 noon.
The circular, which was distributed internally on Monday, did not specify the agenda for the emergency meeting. However, it is set to take place just one day before a nationwide protest against hunger and economic hardship is planned. The timing of the meeting has heightened speculation about the issues to be discussed, given the current socio-economic climate in the country.
The memo to the Senators reads: “Dear Distinguished Senators, the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has directed that an emergency plenary sitting of the Senate be convened as follows: Date: WEDNESDAY, JULY 31st, 2024; TIME: 12 NOON. 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.”
This emergency meeting comes during a scheduled seven-week recess of the National Assembly, which was to resume on September 17, 2024, following the last plenary session held the previous week. The unexpected call for a session amid the recess reflects the urgency and gravity attributed to the issues at hand.
