The crises in the Senate deepened yesterday, with plenary being adjourned without considering any bills and motions.
Federal lawmakers in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appeared set to battle President Goodluck Jonathan over what they say is “his failure to curtail the powers of state governors.”
Sources say lawmakers have resolved to cut short plenary so that no bill or motion is considered until President Jonathan democratises the party structures and grant them automatic tickets to return as lawmakers.
But an opposition lawmaker, Senator Babafemi Ojodu, condemned the actions of the PDP lawmakers, accusing them of frustrating legislative proceedings in the Senate.
Some PDP lawmakers who did not want to be identified told Channels Television that they are unhappy with Jonathan for allowing governors to manipulate the PDP ward congresses held across the country last Saturday.
Some PDP lawmakers have read the handwriting on the wall that they may not return to the Senate in 2015 as some governors want their seats and also want to replace senators with their loyalists.
The PDP caucus in the Senate held a meeting immediately after plenary to try to resolve the crisis.
A source who did not want to be named told Channels Television that the caucus would meet with President Jonathan to discuss the impasse.
The source said the PDP lawmakers are proposing that at least two lawmakers from each state be given automatic tickets to return to the upper legislative chamber.
•Photo shows the Senate in session.
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