By Enyichukwu Enemanna
As preparations intensify for the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly on June 13 in Abuja, the ninth House of Representatives on Wednesday officially brought legislative activities to an end with a valedictory session.
The Senate is also expected to adjourn indefinitely.
The outgoing Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who has spent two decades as a lawmaker in the lower legislative chamber of Nigeria’s National Assembly presided over the plenary.
He has been appointed by the newly inaugurated 16th President, Bola Tinubu as Chief of Staff despite winning a fresh term that would have extended his legislative experience to 24 years
The valedictory session which lasted for over three hours availed lawmakers opportunity to recall major events that shaped the 9th House of Representatives in the last four years.
In attendance were former presiding and principal officers of the House, including Ghali Na’Abba, Patricia Etteh, Babangida Ngoroje, Mulikat Akande-Adeola, among others.
Etteh spoke on behalf of the ex-lawmakers, after which Gbajabiamila presented 9th House membership certificates to members, starting with the Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase.
The Speaker noted that it was the first time in the history of the National Assembly that certificates would be issued to outgoing members.
Plenary was adjourned indefinitely following a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa. It was seconded by the Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu.
