The Senate suspended plenary on Wednesday to allow lawmakers to participate in general election campaigns.
Dr. Ahmad Lawan, President of the Senate, made the announcement during plenary.
Lawan stated that the Senate would begin its recess today (Wednesday) to allow senators to fully participate in campaigns for their re-election or political parties.
“The elections for the National Assembly (members) and the President will take place on February 25,” he said.
“It is our prayer and hopes that those of us who are going to participate in the national assembly elections in the senate, that God Almighty will be on our side.
“This is due to the fact that we require those who will provide institutional memory to be present.”
“The casualties have always been too heavy and too expensive for our country and for democracy in Nigeria.
“This is not to say that Nigerians should not be able to choose how their members of the national assembly are elected. However, retaining parliamentarians who are performing well pays off.”
This, according to Lawan, aided the institution or parliament in its construction and work for the people and the country.
The Senate President also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold elections that are free, fair, and credible.
“This Senate, and indeed the National Assembly, have been staunch supporters of INEC.
“In the assembly, almost everything that was requested for INEC was approved.
“We expect INEC to be at the top of its game,” he said.
He also urged security forces to ensure peaceful elections.
“Nigerians should go about this election period without fear or favor.
“No citizen should be barred from participating if such a citizen is lawfully to participate.
“That is, people should vote and, of course, do what is necessary to ensure that their votes are counted.”
Even if we are not running for office, we can still contribute to the advancement of democracy.
“We have garnered a lot of experience working in the parliament and we still have a lot to offer.
“When we come back on Feb. 28, three days after the presidential and national assembly elections, our hope is that we come back here and review the situation that will have taken place but we pray that what we review should all be on the positive side.
“And we will be in the chamber for one legislative week until March 1 before we leave for the gubernatorial and state Houses of Assembly campaigns and elections on March 11.”
