In a shocking turn of events, the House of Representatives has caved to pressure and suspended all plenary sessions for an entire week following a dramatic protest by indigenous contractors outside the National Assembly. 

This bold move was initiated by Kabiru Maipalace, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Zamfara State, who decried the government's failure to pay contractors for their work under the 2024 and 2025 budgets. 

A determined group of contractors barricaded the entrance to the National Assembly, effectively holding lawmakers hostage in a protest against unpaid debts for completed projects. Their message was clear: they intend to keep the pressure on for the next seven days until their demands are met. The blockade disrupted access and delayed the day’s plenary session, creating an atmosphere of palpable tension among lawmakers. 

During the tumultuous session, the House faced a barrage of challenges, including the resounding rejection of four urgent motions. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, was forced to call an emergency closed door meeting to discuss the implications of the contractors' protest. Clearly, the leadership is scrambling!

The Minority Leader didn’t hold back, blasting the government for its failure to implement the 2024-2025 budget,  “Contractors,our brothers and sisters,are at the gate protesting!” he lamented, painting a picture of utter governmental dysfunction. 

Highlighting the dire consequences of unpaid debts, the Minority Leader emphasized the rising economic hardship and increasing poverty levels that are gripping the nation. With tensions already high, the House issued a seven day ultimatum to the Ministers of Finance and Budget and the Accountant General of the Federation. 

In a subsequent motion, Maipalace argued for an immediate one-week adjournment of plenary, insisting that lawmakers should only reconvene after receiving updates on the payment directive. Supporting him, Francis Waive, Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, stressed the need to give the Executive time to address this crisis. 

Deputy Speaker Kalu acknowledged the gravity of the situation, quizzing his colleagues about their late arrival due to the roadblocks. Waive confirmed the alarming reality: “Definitely, Mr. Speaker.”

As this situation unfolds, the ramifications for the economy and the livelihoods of countless contractors loom large. The protest has starkly revealed the urgent need for the government to step up and meet its obligations to local contractors, who are essential to the nation’s development. Will they answer the call, or will the cries of the contractors continue to be ignored? Stay tuned!