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The Senate has taken a significant step by suspending its sitting for two days to allow members to actively participate in the campaign for the upcoming bye-elections scheduled for 3rd February in various states. This decision was announced by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during Tuesday’s plenary session, recognizing the importance of political engagement ahead of the electoral process.
According to the Senate Standing Rule, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are designated as the official days for holding plenary sessions. Today’s plenary marked the resumption of activities in the upper chamber after a hiatus of approximately 30 days following the Christmas break.
During the commencement of the plenary, which convened around 11:25 a.m, Senate President Akpabio extended a warm welcome to his colleagues and emphasized the necessity of commitment to delivering effective governance. He also encouraged senators to collaborate closely with President Bola Tinubu to ensure the advancement of good governance initiatives.
The plenary session lasted for about five hours, including a two-hour closed-door session that commenced at approximately 12:20 p.m. and concluded at 2:25 p.m. Following the closed-door deliberations, the Senate President announced the suspension of the plenary until Tuesday, 6th February, to allow senators to actively engage in campaign activities for the bye-elections in their respective constituencies.
Recognizing the time sensitivity of the campaign period, with elections slated for Saturday in approximately 36 constituencies nationwide, the Senate unanimously agreed to adjourn to facilitate senators’ participation in campaign efforts, which are set to conclude by Thursday midnight. Senate President Akpabio formally adjourned the session until 6th February 2024, at 11 a.m., underscoring the importance of the electoral process and the active involvement of senators in their constituencies’ political landscape.
