Abuja – The National Assembly has extended its plenary recess by another week, citing participation in Workers’ Day celebrations and other constituency engagements as the reason for the delay. This development comes amid mounting public concerns over national security and delayed legislative action on pressing issues.
Both the Senate and the House of Representatives had gone on Easter and Eid-el-Fitr break on 27 March, with an initial resumption date set for Tuesday, 29 April. However, in a statement released on Monday by Kamoru Ogunlana, Clerk to the National Assembly, lawmakers are now expected to reconvene on Tuesday, 6 May.
“This extension allows Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members to participate in the Workers’ Day ceremony and attend to other engagements in their constituencies,” Ogunlana stated, adding an apology for any inconvenience the rescheduling may cause.
While the official reason centers on constituency engagement, the extended recess comes at a critical time. The country is grappling with worsening insecurity, including a resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in Borno, and ongoing violence in Benue and Plateau states.
In addition, multiple unresolved issues await legislative action—ranging from the recall process of suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to demands for regulation of fraudulent investment schemes, and oversight of emergency rule in Rivers State under the appointed administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas.
Since the National Assembly resumed the 2025 legislative year on 4 February, it has reportedly held just 24 plenary sessions—despite the standard schedule of three sittings per week.
The slow pace of legislative work has drawn criticism, especially as the 10th Senate is yet to unveil a legislative agenda nearly two years after its inauguration on 13 June 2023. Analysts say the absence of a defined roadmap has made it difficult for the public to measure the Senate’s performance or hold lawmakers accountable.
Power Struggles Behind the Scenes?
Although the Clerk’s statement pointed to the May Day holiday as the cause for the extension, insider reports suggest deeper issues may be at play. There are growing speculations of internal dissatisfaction within the Senate, with several lawmakers reportedly questioning the leadership style of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Described by critics as increasingly autocratic, Akpabio’s handling of Senate affairs is said to be creating friction within the upper chamber. The extended recess, some say, may be a strategic move to ease tensions and consolidate support before plenary resumes.
As Nigeria faces serious national challenges, many citizens are calling on the National Assembly to rise above political maneuvering and deliver effective legislative oversight and policy direction.
