JUST IN:  Heavy security at N’Assembly as lawmakers hold emergency session

A heavy security presence has been established in and around the National Assembly Complex in Abuja as lawmakers hold an emergency plenary session today.

Contrary to the usual practice, the Sergeant-At-Arms has barricaded the entrance to the National Assembly, requiring identification cards for entry at the MOPOL Gate.

The heightened security is allegedly intended to prevent protesters from gathering at the venue.

The Red and Green Chambers had announced an emergency session for Wednesday (today) on Sunday.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Rotimi Akin, the Wednesday plenary will focus on critical matters requiring immediate legislative attention.

The statement read, “The House of Representatives wishes to announce that, pursuant to the directive of the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., a plenary session has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

“Honourable members have been duly summoned from their respective constituencies to attend this crucial session. This directive was communicated through an internal memorandum issued by the Clerk of the House, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, Esq., on Sunday.”

Akin noted that it is customary for the House to reconvene from recess to address pressing national issues.

Similarly, a memo from the Clerk of the Senate, Francis Akubueze, to Senators indicated that the Red Chamber would also be sitting on Wednesday. The memo read:

“The President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has directed that an emergency plenary sitting of the Senate be convened,” it added.

The memo noted that the plenary will commence at noon on Wednesday.