Independence Day: Uneasy Calm As Senate Postpones Plenary Resumption
The leadership of the 10th Senate has shifted its resumption of plenary sittings from September 23 to October 7, 2025, extending the chamber’s annual recess by another two weeks.
The development was contained in an internal memo signed by the Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Chinedu Akubueze, and obtained by PUNCH Online on Tuesday.
In the memo titled “Notice of Shift in Plenary Resumption Date,” Akubueze apologised to lawmakers for the belated information, stating that plenary would now reconvene on Tuesday, October 7.
“This is to respectfully inform Distinguished Senators that the resumption of plenary sitting of the Senate, earlier scheduled for Tuesday, 23rd September, 2025, has been shifted to Tuesday, 7th October, 2025. Any inconvenience this short notice may cause is deeply regretted. Distinguished Senators are kindly invited to note the postponement and adjust their schedules accordingly. Thank you for your kind understanding, and God bless,” the memo read.
Although no official explanation was provided, sources within the National Assembly told PUNCH that the shift was designed to allow senators fully observe Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations on October 1 before returning to legislative business.
The latest adjustment has, however, raised concerns among staff and observers at the National Assembly, as it prolongs the recess declared on July 24.
At the time, Senate President Godswill Akpabio justified the long break as an act of “chamber reciprocity,” after the House of Representatives also adjourned in line with its legislative calendar.
With the new date, critical debates and pending motions ranging from oversight inquiries into government spending to the screening of executive appointments will remain on hold.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
