N’assembly adjourns plenary over lawmakers’ death

The senate and house of representatives have adjourned plenary over the death of two lawmakers.

Mustapha Bukar, senator representing Katsina north, died last week while Umar Buba Jibril, deputy majority leader and lawmaker representing Lokoja/Kogi federal constituency in the house, passed away on March 30.

The decision of the upper legislative chamber to adjourn plenary was sequel to a motion moved by Ahmed Lawan, senate leader.

Lawan described the death of Bukar as a “sad loss.”

Senate President Bukola Saraki said a valedictory session would be held for Bukar on Thursday

Similarly, the house of representatives adjourned following a motion moved by Femi Gbajabiamila, majority leader.

Not long after prayer sessions were held for Jibril, Gbajabiamila moved that his colleagues suspend the day’s proceedings in honour of Jibril.

The green chamber also resolved to hold a valedictory session on Wednesday in honour of the deceased lawmaker.

Fifty-eight-year-old Jibril, a three-time member of the house, was a former speaker of the Kogi state house of assembly, died after a protracted illness.

The two lawmakers have since been buried, according to Islamic rites.

Nine members of the national assembly have died since 2015.