Ninth House of Representatives dissolves itself after passing motion to adjourn indefinitely

NIGERIA'S ninth House of Representatives has wound up its activities holding its last plenary of the parliament today and passing a motion to be adjourned sine die or indefinitely in line with the dictates of the constitution.

At the valedictory session presided over by the outgoing speaker, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, members of the House spent about three and a half hours recalling major events that took place in the chamber over the last four years. In attendance were former presiding and principal officers of the House, including Ghali Na’Abba, Patricia Etteh, Babangida Ngoroje and Mulikat Akande-Adeola,.

Hon Etteh spoke on behalf of the ex-lawmakers, after which Hon Gbajabiamila presented ninth House membership certificates to members, starting with the deputy speaker, Ahmed Wase. In his address, the speaker noted that it was the first time in the history of the National Assembly that certificates would be issued to outgoing members.

At the close of the session, Hon Gbajabiamila asked the majority leader, Hon Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, to move a motion for the House to adjourn sine die. It was seconded by the minority leader, Ndudi Elumelu and Hon Gbajabiamila put the motion to voice vote, which the lawmakers unanimously adopted.

With the ninth House now dissolved, the 10th National Assembly is billed for inauguration on Tuesday. One of the first things both houses of parliament will do is elect their leaders, starting with the senate president and the speaker of the House of Representatives.