By Paul Effiong, Abuja
The House of Representatives has announced an extension of its ongoing recess, with resumption of Members currently slated for January 30th 2024.
It would be recalled that the National Assembly leadership had earlier fixed January 23rd as resumption date for members at the Red and Green Chambers.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the Chairman, House of Representatives Committees on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi which was made available to Journalists in Abuja on Sunday
According to the statement by Hon. Rotimi who doubles as the spokesman of the House of Representatives, the announcement followed a communication by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria to all Members of the Green Chamber over the weekend.
The statement explained: “I am directed to inform Hon. Members that the resumption date for both Senate and House of Representatives has been shifted upwards from Tuesday, 23rd January, 2024,earlier announced, to Tuesday, 30th January, 2024 at 11:00am prompt. All inconveniences are regretted,”
The Green Chamber had on Saturday, December 30, 2023, proceeded on a 3-week recess following its passage of the twenty-eight trillion naira Appropriation Bill, now an Act, for the 2024 FIscal Year, in line with its constitutional powers.
Before its recess, the House of Representatives had since its inauguration in June 2023, considered a wide range of issues, including peace and security, social welfare, healthcare, education, infrastructure development, economic growth, and more. With the instrumentality of robust debates, bipartisan collaboration, and sheer dedication to its constitutional responsibilities, the House had also passed crucial bills and adopted key resolutions that will shape the trajectory of the country in years to come.
It would also be recalled that the House, during it Special Session held on December 30 for final consideration of the Budget, the Speaker, Hon.Tajudeen Abass had extolled the dedication, unity of purpose, and willingness of Members to engage in constructive debates instrumental to the legislative outputs recorded in those months.
The statement further explained:“I extend my deepest appreciation to all of you and applaud your exemplary conduct, dedication and devotion to upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. Of note is the patriotism you all have demonstrated, making astonishing sacrifices to work even on weekends and during public holidays,”.
The statement also explained how the Speaker noted with joy that 500 Motions on pressing matters affecting the people were adopted, while 962 bills in the area of legislation have been received since inauguration,
Hon Rotimi in the press statement equally informed that over One hundred and twenty, 120, of these bills have passed Second Reading and are currently undergoing in-depth analysis at the Committee stages emphasising that amongst the notable bills passed within the period were the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, Repeal and Re-enactment, Bill 2023 which was assented to on 23rd November, 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the statement, the lawmakers have during the recess carried out an extensive legislative work at all the level of House Committees, noting that Members we’re also involved in constituency outreaches across the country.
“In line with its 8-point Legislative Agenda, the ‘People’s House’ has been responsive and remains committed in its efforts to ameliorate the living standards of our constituents and contribute to Nigeria’s overall peace and development” the statement added
Leave a Reply