Uncertainty hangs over National Assembly resumption

The resumption of the two chambers of the National Assembly is hanging in the balance as senators and members of the House of Representatives say there is no official announcement of their resumption yet.

Both chambers are expected to resume on Tuesday to consider the budget of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2019 general elections.

It would be recalled that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Lasun Yussuf, had on Thursday last week said the National Assembly will resume on Tuesday (tomorrow) to consider the INEC budget after a meeting the leadership of the National Assembly had with the INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

However, senators and members are at a loss at the moment because both the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, are yet to announce the resumption.

National Assembly sources say many senators and House members, who were set for summer and Hajj rites, remain in Abuja because there is no word from the National Assembly’s leadership.

Read Also: Presidency planning to arrest Saraki, Ekweremadu before Tuesday’s sitting—PDP

A member of the House from the Northwest said: “This budget is important but there is anxiety everywhere on the security implications of recalling members.

“From the look of things, our leaders are looking at all options on how to make the ratification of the budget easier.”

Also a principal officer of the House said: “We have not been told when the National Assembly will reconvene to consider the poll budget. I know the Speaker assured INEC Chairman Mahmud Yakubu last week that we will give the budget a speedy consideration. We are awaiting a recall announcement.

“So far, Tuesday does not look practicable. The basic challenge is the crisis of confidence among members of the two chambers.

“I think the National Assembly leadership is trying to manage the tempers arising from the defections and the seige to the Assembly complex last week. We are also talking to ourselves to allow reason to prevail.”

Speaking in the same vein, Senate Leader Ahmad Lawan said he is still waiting to hear from the Senate President.

“I am still waiting to be informed by the President of the Senate on whether we will sit on Tuesday or not.

“Well, I will expect the Senate President to talk to me or call. I have not received any communication yet.

“And normally, an announcement is supposed to be made. We have not heard of any as I speak with you”, Lawan said.

By Timothy Enietan-Matthews….

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