Reps abandon plan to adjourn for one week over contractors’ protest

By EricJames Ochigbo

Members of House of Representatives on Tuesday abandoned their plan to adjourn sittings for one week in response to protests by local contractors over delay in payments by Federal Government on jobs they delivered.

A group of local contractors had on Tuesday morning taken over the entrance of the assembly complex, thus making it difficult for lawmakers and staff to gain entrance into the legislative chamber.

The contractors had insisted that the protests will continue for the week.

In reaction, the house, after an executive session took decision to adjourn for the rest of the week following a resolution mandating the leadership to interface with the Federal Government on delay in the payment to the contractors.

The house, thereafter issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun and the Minister of Budget, Mr Atiku Bagudu to ensure payment of local contractors for jobs executed under the 2024 and 2025 Appropriations.

However, in a statement later on Tuesday indicated that the Reps will reconvene for plenary on Wednesday, contrary to the earlier resolution to adjourn sittings to Tuesday, November 11.

The Clerk of the house, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, in a memo on Tuesday evening said that the decision to reconvene the legislative chamber followed positive developments in relation to the payment.

According to him, the early resumption will afford the leadership of the house, the opportunity to brief members on progress recorded in resolving the matter.

He said that the house is expected to officially rescind its decisions to adjourn for a week to enable proceedings to continue at Wednesday’s plenary.

By the memo, members are urged to make the necessary arrangements to be in attendance for Legislative activities.

(NAN)