Senators and House of Representatives members were yet to confirm last
night whether or not the two chambers will reconvene tomorrow to
consider the 2019 elections budget.
The Chairman of the National Assembly, senate president Bukola Saraki has not announced that the lawmakers should reconvene.
Also,
there are indications that if the two chambers reconvene, the Senate
may end up merely concurring with the report of the House Committee on
the 2019 poll budget for the Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC).
The House Committee, chaired by Hon. Aisha Dukku, is said
to have concluded the consideration of the budget before the abrupt
recess of the National Assembly on July 24.
Many senators and
House members, who were hitherto set for summer and Hajj rites, remain
in Abuja because there is no word from the National Assembly’s
leadership.
A member of the House from the Northwest said: “This
budget is important but there is anxiety everywhere on the security
implications of recalling members.
“From the look of things, our leaders are looking at all options on how to make the ratification of the budget easier.”
A
principal officer of the House, who spoke in confidence, said: “We have
not been told when the National Assembly will reconvene to consider the
poll budget. I know the Speaker assured INEC Chairman Mahmud Yakubu
last week that we will give the budget a speedy consideration. We are
awaiting a recall announcement.
“So far, Tuesday does not look practicable. The basic challenge is the crisis of confidence among members of the two chambers.
“I
think the National Assembly leadership is trying to manage the tempers
arising from the defections and the seige to the Assembly complex last
week. We are also talking to ourselves to allow reason to prevail.”
Senate
Leader Ahmad Lawan said: “I am still waiting to be informed by the
President of the Senate on whether we will sit on Tuesday or not.
“Well, I will expect the Senate President to talk to me or call. I have not received any communication yet.
“And normally, an announcement is supposed to be made. We have not heard of any as I speak with you.”
