Temitope Mustapha, Abuja
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has urged members of the National Assembly to exercise restraint in summoning heads of ministries, departments, and agencies before parliamentary committees.
The President made the appeal during the breaking of Ramadan fast on Wednesday in Abuja with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the leadership of the House.
He stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. He acknowledged the necessity of oversight but cautioned against excessive summoning of officials, which could impede operations and affect service delivery to citizens.
The Nigerian leader appealed to lawmakers to exercise discretion in their oversight duties, ensuring that the balance between accountability and operational efficiency is maintained.
“I have been watching various committees summoning ministers and heads of agencies. I have complained to the Speaker to let the poor breathe. Let these people do the job. We are not saying that you are not influential. We are not saying you cannot do your oversight. But consider the primary duty of each agency, its personnel, or the responsibilities of the Governor of the Central Bank or the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance to you and the entire nation.
”If they are distracted or disturbed, maybe we will shift parliamentary sitting all through the night. We must find a way to accommodate one another. This is an appeal to you. See if you can accept representatives in some instances or even documentations,” the President said.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT urges National Assembly members to exercise restraint in summoning heads of ministries, departments and agencies before parliamentary committees.
While acknowledging the importance of oversight for transparency and accountability, he… pic.twitter.com/pCa4tdIM0k
— Voice of Nigeria (@voiceofnigeria) March 21, 2024
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Expressing confidence in the ability of the National Assembly to uphold good governance, President Tinubu lauded the existing cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature.
President Tinubu said the harmonious working relationship had resulted in the expeditious passage of several bills to improve the welfare of Nigerians.
The President further urged the legislators not to forget their constituencies and to take advantage of the holy month of Ramadan to show compassion and support the less privileged in society.
”We are making sacrifices for the country, and we are assuring citizens that there is a very bright light at the end of the tunnel.
“We must have faith, and please do not forget your constituencies and remember what they are going through.
“I cannot thank you enough for what you are doing, but it is for our country. There is nothing personal about this. It is for Nigeria, and we have no other country but Nigeria,” the president stated.
In his remarks, the Speaker emphasized the importance of forgiveness, generosity, and prayers during Ramadan and called for unity in the nation and support for President Tinubu.
“I want to urge us to use this month to increase our good deeds and minimize our bad deeds,” he said.
Reflecting on the 10 months of this administration, the Speaker noted that the executive and the legislature have continued to work in synergy for the progress of the country.
“So far, so good, the House has been very supportive of the President and his policies, and we shall continue to ensure that we work together,’‘ the Speaker said.
