President Bola Tinubu recently appealed to members of the National Assembly to exercise restraint in summoning heads of ministries, departments, and agencies before parliamentary committees.
Speaking at the Ramadan fast-breaking event in Abuja with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the leadership of the House, the President emphasized that while oversight is crucial in maintaining transparency and accountability in governance, the excessive summoning of officials can hamper operations and hinder service delivery to citizens.
In a statement released by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, President Tinubu urged lawmakers to exercise discretion in the exercise of their oversight functions.
The President expressed concern over the frequent summoning of ministers and heads of agencies by various committees. He asked the Speaker to allow these officials to do their job effectively.
The President acknowledged the influence of the lawmakers but emphasized the need to consider the primary duties 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 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. Documentation to you. See if you can accept representatives in some instances or even documentation,” the President said.
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.
He said the harmonious working relationship had resulted in the expeditious passage of several bills to improve the welfare of Nigerians.
He 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.
On the recent dastardly killing of soldiers on national duty in Delta State, the President while expressing his heartfelt condolences to the families of the bereaved, pledged that the sacrifices of the fallen heroes would never be in vain.
The President announced that the officers would be given a befitting burial ansavagely.
”In responding to distress calls, they met the end of their lives in a savage manner. Let us work to sympathize and symbolize the fact that they are worth the sacrifices they have made for Nigeria.
“We pay tribute to all our brave soldiers and express our sympathy towards them. I will soon make additional announcements, but it is imperative that they receive a dignified burial along with national honors,” stated the President.
In his speech, the Speaker emphasized the significance of forgiveness, generosity, and prayers during Ramadan. He called for unity in the nation and urged everyone to support 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.
