**National Assembly Pushes Back Resumption Date to March 5** In a sudden move, the National Assembly has put off the resumption of its plenary sessions from Tuesday, February 24, 2026, to Thursday, March 5, 2026. This decision, made by the Assembly's leadership, aims to allow various committees to complete the ongoing budget defence sessions. The move comes as the National Assembly is currently scrutinizing the 2026 Appropriation Bill. Several committees have been engaged in a series of budget defence sessions with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure that the new budget is in line with the country's development goals. By rescheduling the plenary session, the leadership wants to give committees ample time to conclude these crucial sessions. For those who had made travel arrangements or were expecting to attend the plenary sessions, this change in schedule might cause some inconvenience. However, the leadership has expressed regret for any disruption this may cause and asked members to take note of the new date. The decision to postpone the plenary session will have a ripple effect on the legislative process. However, it is hoped that the extra time will allow for a more thorough review of the budget. The resumption date of March 5, 2026, will give committees the opportunity to complete their work and ensure that the new budget aligns with the country's development priorities. As the National Assembly navigates the complex process of reviewing the 2026 Appropriation Bill, this slight delay may be seen as a necessary step to ensure that the budget is thoroughly vetted. By giving committees more time to complete their work, the Assembly is taking a cautious approach to ensure that the country's resources are utilized effectively.