ABUJA – A civil rights activist, Steve Aluko, on Friday condemned recurrent adjournments of sittings by lawmakers in the National Assembly.
Aluko told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that party wranglings as well as politicking ahead of 2015 election should not in any way affect their primary duty.
He was reacting to recent adjournments by the Senate over internal strife in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Aluko said the lawmakers ought to expedite action in passing bills pending before them before the expiration of their tenure, rather than shut down activities for their own interest.
According to him, “the lawmakers should not be bothering themselves about who obtains automatic ticket or not.
“What they should bother about is to pass pending bills, including the PIB Bill in the interest of the masses.
“From what is happening in the National Assembly, it is obvious the lawmakers are more interested in things that will benefit them than the interest of the masses’’.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the Senate adjourned abruptly on Nov. 4 and 5 and subsequently adjourned sitting till Nov. 11.
The Senate President, Sen. David Mark, had before the adjournment on Nov. 5, announced that PDP members in the senate would hold an emergency meeting immediately.
Meanwhile, the Senate Leader, Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, who briefed the media shortly after the emergency meeting, said the adjournments were due to fundamental issues arising from the ward congress.
The Senate is expected to resume plenary on Nov. 11 to continue with legislative activities. (NAN)
