NASS Week-Long Suspension of Plenary Over Buhari’s Funeral Sparks Criticism
By Nkra Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) The decision of the leadership of the 10th National Assembly to suspend plenary for a whole week in honour of the late former President, Muhammadu Buhari who died on Sunday, July 12, at a London hospital has not gone down well with many Nigerians as it has sparked criticism across the length and breadth of the country.
On Monday, July 14, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana Esq. had issued a press release suspending the plenary till Tuesday, July 22, as directed by the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
The statement said, “The National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria mourns the passing of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari,GCFR, former President and Commander- in-Chief, who died yesterday (Sunday), 13th July 2025, in London, United Kingdom.
“In honour of his legacy and service to the nation, I am directed by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to inform all members of the National Assembly and the general public that all legislative activities in the National Assembly are hereby suspended immediately until Tuesday, 22 July, 2025.
“All members of the National Assembly are urged to reschedule their engagements to enable full participation in the burial activities of the late President.”
The adjournment has sparked criticism, with some questioning the frequency of breaks taken by the National Assembly, particularly the Senate under Senator Godswill Akpabio’s leadership.
The critics hold a view that the National Assembly under the leadership of Akpabio, especially the Senate, has had too many holidays in the last two years which some see as a waste of taxpayers’ money and a hindrance to productivity.
Recall that the House of Representatives at a time expressed frustration over the numerous adjournments by the red chamber which has delayed the passage of bills for concurrent.
It is also worthy to note that the Federal Government declared a one day public holiday to mourn the late former President Buhari, whereas the NASS preferred to shutdown plenary for a whole week on the same event.
The critics argued further that Godswill Akpabio as the President of the Senate has taken too many breaks unlike his predecessors; holidays like Salah–NASS observed two weeks for Salah break unlike the federal government who declared two days holiday.
They pointed out that NASS has never at any given opportunity suspended the plenary for a day to mourn Nigerians who are on a daily basis killed by the enemies of the state across the country.
Though, the memo from the CNA highlighted the respect and condolences being paid to the late President Buhari, acknowledging his legacy and service to the nation, but critics believe it was not enough for the parliamentarians to take another wasteful one week in his honour considering that it annual recess is around the corner.
