These bye-elections, scheduled for February 3, 2024, were approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission due to the resignation or demise of certain members of the National and state Houses of Assembly.
Prior to this adjournment, the Senate had concluded its plenary session on December 30, 2023, after successfully passing the 2024 Appropriation Bill. Upon resuming their duties on Tuesday, the lawmakers convened in a closed-door meeting for a duration of two hours, during which they discussed matters of urgent national importance.
After taking the business of the day, the Senate thereafter adjourned plenary till Tuesday, February 6.
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The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, at the end of the session said, “In view of the elections in about 36 constituencies in the country, coming up on Saturday, both houses of the House of Representatives and the distinguished chamber of the Senate, we have agreed that we have less than 48 hours to partake in the campaigns which will close on Thursday by midnight.
“And therefore, this Senate stands adjourned till the 6th day of February 2024 at 11 am prompt.”
In the meantime, President Bola Tinubu has submitted a letter to the Senate, urging them to confirm the removal of Babatunde Irukera, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
The Senate, upon their return from a four-week recess, read the letter and acknowledged that the request aligns with Section 8 (2) of the FCCPC Act, 2018. Additionally, it was announced that Irukera’s termination became effective on Monday, January 8, 2024. The matter has been referred to the committee of the whole for further deliberation. On January 8, 2024, Tinubu officially dismissed Irukera from his position as CEO of FCCPC.
