The House of Representatives resumed its weekly sittings on Tuesday, formally continuing the 2026 legislative calendar after a three-week adjournment. Presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, the session combined important executive business with the solemn parliamentary tradition of remembrance.
At the commencement of proceedings, the Speaker read a formal communication from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, transmitting the 2026 Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Statutory Budget to the House. In accordance with legislative procedure, the proposal was formally received and will undergo detailed scrutiny by the House.
In keeping with parliamentary tradition, the House plenary was abridged in honour of Senator Barinada Mpigi (APC, Rivers South-East), who passed away on February 19, 2026, in recognition of his service to Rivers State and contributions to the National Assembly.
Members also paid tribute to Hon. Prof. Gordon Johnson Idang, a First Republic lawmaker, acknowledging his enduring legacy in Nigeria’s democratic development and academic life.
The sitting further reflected on the passing of the Speaker’s Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative), Sir Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu, PhD, KSC, who died on March 7, 2026, at the age of 54. In a moving tribute, Speaker Abbas described him as a devoted pillar of our parliamentary family whose intellect and quiet service supported the work of Members across the House.
Following the tributes, the House adjourned plenary until Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
After plenary, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, led a delegation of Members to convey the condolences of the House to the bereaved family.
