The Nigerian Senate has revised its sitting schedule, now convening from 11 am to 3 pm, following motions presented by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.
This adjustment aligns Senate sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays with the House of Representatives’ timing.
Bamidele also proposed creating a Senate Committee on Reparation and Repatriation, but this motion was postponed as senators prioritized debating the new sitting hours.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio supported the time change to synchronize with the House of Representatives, while former Senate President Ahmad Lawan opposed the adjustment. Lawan argued that earlier sessions, starting at 10 am, would be more efficient, suggesting that the Senate maintain its original hours unless there were compelling reasons for change beyond synchronization.
Akpabio responded, reminding that the 11 am start had originated during Lawan’s tenure, particularly during the COVID-19 period. He clarified that the new timing was meant to accommodate a full working day while allowing flexibility for committee meetings.
In another development, Akpabio called for an end to conflicts between the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Police Service Commission (PSC) to enhance national security. This came after the Senate confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s nominee, Hashimu Argungu, as PSC Chairman. Akpabio urged the IGP to prioritize national security and work harmoniously with the PSC, stressing the importance of cooperation for efficient recruitment and security management.
Senator Abdulhamid Ahmed, Chair of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, emphasized the urgency of resuming halted recruitment exercises, highlighting that the confirmation of PSC members, including Chief Onyemuche Nnamani and Taiwo Lakanu, would resolve the ongoing delays.
Tags
politics