Outgoing lawmakers begin to move property out of National Assembly

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Lawmakers who did not contest or win reelection in the last general elections have begun to move their belongings out of the National Assembly Complex.

Properties of lawmakers in the Senate and House of Representatives, who will not be part of the coming 9th National Assembly, were seen being moved out of the premises in trucks and pick-up vans between Wednesday and Friday.

For instance, a pick-up van driven out of the premises at about 7.30pm on Wednesday was loaded with fridges and water dispensers.

On Friday, two vehicles sighted to have carried furniture, electronics and rugs, among others.

It was also observed that some lawmakers who would not be part of the coming Assembly had been absent from plenary sessions, while some of their offices had been under lock and key.

Legislative aides to the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, had since submitted their handover notes.

The Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, had in a memo dated March 6, 2019, with reference number COS/LA/HON/IA, asked the aides to submit the notes.

The memo read, “You are aware that the life of the 8th Senate will terminate in June 2019 after inauguration of the 9th Senate. The 9th Senate will benefit from a comprehensive document detailing records of our individual mandates and assignments, major activities undertaken as well as advice on consolidating achievements of the Office of the President of the 8th Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

“You will please therefore prepare brief handover notes that should include the following: Name, rank/designation, basic responsibilities, and key achievements under your mandate/responsibilities. Assignments you are currently engaged in, and any other matter you may wish to place on record that will assist the new Senate.