A disagreement over the allocation of seats to senators in the main chambers of the National Assembly Tuesday marred the resumption of plenary at the Red Chamber after a 40-day recess.
The development, which led to a rowdy session, prompted the Senate to hold an emergency closed-door session and later adjourn until May 7.
Senators had been conducting their legislative activities in a specific hall temporarily due to ongoing renovation work on the main chambers. The renovation contract was awarded in March 2021 to Visible Construction Limited by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to rehabilitate critical segments of the National Assembly complex, including the main chambers.
The House of Representatives and the Senate had extended their recess from April 16 to April 23, and later to April 30, 2024, to allow for the completion of the project.
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Following the completion of the renovation, they moved back into the main chambers yesterday after a recess of over 40 days.
Trouble, however, began at the Senate when the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, started recognizing senators who had celebrated their birthdays during the recess.
Senator Sahabi Alhaji Ya’u (APC Zamfara North) stood up to complain to the Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC Ekiti Central), about the seat allocated to him, stating it was not suitable considering his position as deputy minority whip of the 9th Senate, which led to a heated argument after Senator Danjuma Goje (APC Gombe Central) also joined in the complaints.
After the exchange, Akpabio called for calm and delivered his welcome address. The senators then entered into an emergency executive session, after which Akpabio announced the adjournment of plenary to May 7.
In his speech, the senate president urged lawmakers to work tirelessly for the good of Nigerians.
He said the increase in electricity tariffs and petroleum prices emphasised the pressing need to address issues of affordability, inflation, and the overall well-being of the nation’s economy.
He said the Senate and the House of Representatives must collaborate and cooperate to provide the required legislation to lift Nigerians up.
Akpabio added that efforts by lawmakers must be focused on restoring hope, righting wrongs, and upholding commitments to the well-being of the people.
The senate president said the fight against poverty and hunger must be total and relentless, with the focus on addressing its root causes and restoring dignity to the marginalised.
But reacting, the Senate spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South), denied any disagreement over seating arrangements and urged the public to disregard such reports. He clarified that seating positions were allocated according to established legislative protocols, with consideration given to rankings and leadership positions.
Adaramodu emphasized that seating protocols had been observed even in the temporary chamber, and any reports of a fight over seating arrangements were unfounded attempts to tarnish the image of the Senate.
