National Assembly Resumes: Insecurity, Flooding, Fuel Crisis Top Agenda

The National Assembly is set to resume on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, after a seven-week annual recess, and several critical issues are lined up for deliberation in the House of Representatives. Insecurity, flooding, and fuel crisis are among the pressing concerns that lawmakers will tackle.

A staff member of the National Assembly revealed that insecurity remains a major challenge despite recent military successes against insurgency . “Don’t forget that in August, gunmen wreaked havoc in Kaduna, killing members of the local vigilante group. Farmers were also killed in the process. Also, close to 10 persons were killed during an attack on a mosque in a Kaduna community,” the source said. Lawmakers from affected states are expected to draw attention to these tragedies and demand measures to ensure safety.

The devastating floods in Borno, Zamfara, and Yobe states will also be addressed. Mukhtar Betara, representing Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya/Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State, has pledged to seek federal assistance for flood victims . “I will ensure that this flood disaster, which remains a major humanitarian crisis, is brought to the floor as a matter of urgent public importance,” Betara said.

Other affected states, including Adamawa and Yobe, will likely receive attention from lawmakers as well . The source noted, “The catastrophe in Maiduguri is making many of us think that other states were not affected. This is not true. Similar flooding occurred in Adamawa and Yobe states with attendant losses.”

The fuel crisis, sparked by the hike in petrol prices, may also be discussed . However, it’s unclear how many agenda items will be accommodated on Tuesday, as lawmakers settle back in after Friday’s fumigation of the complex.

The National Assembly initially planned to resume on September 17 but was postponed to September 24 without an official explanation . The Clerk to the Senate, Chinedu Akubueze, and House of Representatives Spokesman, Akin Rotimi, announced the extension in separate statements.

As the National Assembly reconvenes, Nigerians await decisive action on these critical issues affecting the nation.