President Bola Tinubu has urged members of the National Assembly to exercise restraint when summoning heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) before parliamentary committees. Speaking during the breaking of the Ramadan fast in Abuja alongside Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and the House leadership, Tinubu emphasized the importance of oversight in maintaining transparency and accountability in governance but cautioned against excessive summoning, which could disrupt operations and hinder service delivery to citizens.
In a statement titled ‘President Tinubu Appeals To National Assembly: It Is Within Your Rights To Summon Heads Of MDAs, But Let Them Do Their Job,’ issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu appealed to lawmakers to allow MDAs to fulfill their responsibilities while carrying out their constitutional duties.
Tinubu stated, “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.”
He further suggested finding ways to accommodate each other, proposing the acceptance of representatives or documentation in certain instances.
Acknowledging the National Assembly’s role in upholding good governance, Tinubu commended the existing cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature, which has facilitated the expeditious passage of several bills aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians.
Tinubu encouraged legislators to remember their constituencies and extend compassion to the less privileged during the holy month of Ramadan. He emphasized that sacrifices are being made for the country’s betterment and urged lawmakers to maintain faith and focus on Nigeria’s collective progress.
In closing, Tinubu expressed gratitude for the legislators’ efforts, emphasizing that their work is for the betterment of Nigeria as a whole.
