In a significant move, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has summoned an urgent meeting of the Senate. An internal memo, described the assembly as one of “National Importance.”
The circular, however, did not elaborate on the specifics of the emergency gathering. Scheduled for Wednesday, July 31, 2024, this meeting comes just a day before nationwide protests are set to begin, highlighting the growing frustrations over hunger and economic hardship across the country.
The memo addressed to the Senators stated, “Dear Distinguished Senators, His Excellency, Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has directed the convening of an emergency plenary session as follows: Date: WEDNESDAY, JULY 31st, 2024; TIME: 12 NOON.”
It further urged all Senators to make necessary arrangements for their attendance, indicating that critical issues of national significance would be on the agenda. The circular also expressed regret for any inconvenience caused by this interruption of the current recess and thanked Senators for their understanding.
It is important to note that the National Assembly had recently entered a seven-week recess, with plans to reconvene on September 17, 2024. This break was announced following a plenary session held the previous Wednesday, marking the annual recess for both chambers of the Assembly—the Senate and the House of Representatives.
