By George Ozalla
The House of Representatives on Tuesday resumed its weekly plenary after a three-week adjournment, formally continuing its legislative activities for the 2026 calendar year.
The session, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, GCON, opened with a formal communication from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu transmitting the 2026 Statutory Budget of the Federal Capital Territory Administration to the House for legislative consideration.
The Speaker read the presidential communication on the floor of the chamber in accordance with parliamentary procedure, after which the proposal was formally received and scheduled for further legislative scrutiny by the House.
Proceedings during the sitting also reflected the sombre mood within the National Assembly as members paid tribute to notable figures whose passing has recently affected the legislature.
In keeping with parliamentary tradition, plenary was abridged in honour of Senator Barinada Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District and died on February 19, 2026. Lawmakers acknowledged his service to Rivers State and his contributions to legislative work in the National Assembly.
Members also paid tribute to Hon. Prof. Gordon Johnson Idang, a First Republic lawmaker, whose legacy in Nigeria’s democratic history and academic life was recognized during the sitting.
The House further reflected on the passing of the Speaker’s Deputy Chief of Staff on Legislative Affairs, Sir Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu, PhD, KSC, who died on March 7, 2026, at the age of 54.
In his remarks, Speaker Abbas described the late Dunkwu as a dedicated member of the parliamentary community whose intellect and quiet commitment supported the work of lawmakers and the functioning of the House.
Following the tributes, the House adjourned plenary until Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
After the session, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, led a delegation of lawmakers to convey the condolences of the House to the bereaved family.
