Heavy Security Imposed at National Assembly for Emergency Plenary Session

A substantial security presence has been established around the National Assembly Complex in Abuja as lawmakers convene for an emergency plenary session today.

In a notable departure from standard procedures, the Sergeant-At-Arms has barricaded the entrance to the National Assembly, with access restricted to individuals holding identification cards at the MOPOL Gate. These heightened security measures are aimed at preventing potential protests at the venue.

The emergency session, announced by both the Red and Green Chambers on Sunday, is scheduled to address urgent legislative matters requiring immediate attention.

According to a statement released on Monday by Rotimi Akin, spokesperson for the House of Representatives, the plenary session will focus on pressing national issues.

“The House of Representatives wishes to announce that, pursuant to the directive of Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., a plenary session has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Honourable members have been summoned from their respective constituencies to attend this crucial session,” the statement read.

The directive was communicated through an internal memorandum from the Clerk of the House, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, Esq., on Sunday. Akin emphasized that it is customary for the House to reconvene from recess to tackle urgent national concerns.

Similarly, a memo from the Clerk of the Senate, Francis Akubueze, informed Senators of a parallel emergency plenary sitting in the Red Chamber. The memo stated, “The President of the Senate, His Excellency Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has directed that an emergency plenary sitting of the Senate be convened.”

The plenary sessions in both chambers are set to commence at noon.