The Senate and House of Representatives on Tuesday, 14 June 2022, resumed plenary to commence its fourth legislative session following the conclusion of the primaries and conventions of political parties across the country.

At the plenary session of the Senate, Sen. Ahmad Lawan (APC: Yobe) in his welcome remarks, congratulated the lawmakers who had contested various positions during the primaries and won, while sympathizing with lawmakers who had failed to win the political party primaries in their respective states. Sen. Lawan proceeded to inform lawmakers of the defection and resignation of the Majority Leader of the Senate, Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi State) and the Minority Leader, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia State).

In the letters of resignation and defection from their respective positions and political parties, the Principal Officers informed the Senate that their decisions were attributed to the unfavorable conduct of political activities in their States. Sen. Abdullahi, in his letter mentioned that he was defecting from the All-Progressive Congress (APC) party to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), while Sen. Abaribe had written that he defected to the All-Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) from the PDP.

In the House of Representatives, the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (APC: Lagos) in his welcome remarks, expressed dismay over the outcome of the party primaries which led to the inability of a large number of serving lawmakers to secure a win as candidates for the positions they contested for. The Speaker described the outcome of the primaries as an “unfortunate incident and a loss to democracy, to the institution and to the country” and urged Members to remain committed to the affairs of the legislature.

Speaking on the areas of priorities, Hon. Gbajabiamila noted that the fourth legislative session of the 9^th House of Representatives will focus on the consideration and passage of relevant legislations, stakeholder engagement and outreach efforts including coordinating with the State Houses of Assembly on the Constitution Bills to ensure timely passage. In addition, he stated that the Standing Committees will commence the revision and implementation of the Appropriation Act by Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs).

It would be recalled that the Senate and House of Representatives adjourned plenary on Wednesday, 11 May 2022 to allow law makers participate in the party primaries and other political activities across the country.