The 10th Benue State House of Assembly, on Thursday embarked on one month recess after the end of its first legislative session of year2023-2024
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker Akume Ityav indicates that on the annual calendar of business for the assembly, the second sitting Commenced on Wednesday, 23 August 2023, and would have closed on Friday, 8th December 2023 with the recess commencing on Monday, 11th December 2023.
He however explained that the House could not adhere strictly to the schedules on the calendar due to the time taken by the nationwide industrial action of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) and the need to pass the 2024 Budget into law before the end of the year.
“During the time under review, the House received sixteen (16) Bills and passed seven (7) into law while eight (8) are having the attention of the committees.
The House also received four reports, out of which three have been debated.
Similarly, the House received and deliberated on ten substantive motions and adopted sixteen major Resolutions during the period.
The House received five (5) major communications including requests to confirm Twenty-Three nominees for appointment as chairmen, Local Government Interim Executive Councils and to approve the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) (2024 — 2026).
He appreciated members and staff for their cooperation and commitment to the progress of the tenth Assembly as evidenced in the articulate contributions of Members during debates and the technical support by the Clerk and staff of the House.
The Speaker, encouraged his colleagues to redouble their efforts to ensure more legislative output when they return from recess in January 2024.
He seized the opportunity to appreciate the State Governor ,Hyacinth Alia, for committing huge resources to the renovation of the House of Assembly Complex and expressed optimism that “with the progress of work so far, the House proceedings will be held in the main chamber of the House when honorable members resume from recess in January 2024.”
Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie