Abuja — Senate will from tomorrow shut its chambers with lawmakers relocating to Enugu for a week-long retreat.Issues topping the agenda for this year's retreat include modalities and processes for a successful review of the 1999 constitution, with particular emphasis on speedy amendment of the election related provisions to pave way for a free and fair election in 2011.

Other issues include the adoption of modalities for speedy passage of the 2010 budget and other strategies to further protect the country from the adverse affect of the current global financial crisis and the recent near collapse of seven banks due to bad debts.

Being the third in the series since the inauguration of the current Senate in 2007, the retreat is expected to allow lawmakers have first hand assessment of the socio-economic problems in the South East geo-political zone.

Senators are expected to break into groups to visit the five South -Eastern states, Enugu, Abia Imo, Anambra and Ebonyi for a first hand assessment of the problems including the spate of kidnappings, politically motivated violence and ecological challenges such as soil erosion which is more prevalent in the region.

Senate spoke man Senator Simon Ayogu Eze (PDP, Enugu North) chairman Senate committee on Information and Media told newsmen in Abuja at the weekend that, the Senate will use the retreat to work out strategies that will lead to speedy review of sections of the 1999 constitution bordering on election to ensure an acceptable electoral process in the country.

He said the lawmakers will engage in brainstorming sessions to further debate on issues raised by electoral reforms pending in the National Assembly which derived from the recommendations of the Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais led Electoral Reform Committee (ERC).