TheCable

Over the past few days, it’s been from one dramatic episode to another between the executive and legislative arms of government.

There was the fainting incident involving the acting chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to the back-and-forth accusations and counter accusations involving Godswill Akpabio, minister of Niger Delta affairs, among other such dramatisation over probes by the national assembly committees.

While appearing before house of representatives ad hoc committee investigating the suspension of the management of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Chris Ngige, minister of labour and employment, told members of house that he’s older than all of them, and referred to James Faleke, member representing Ikeja federal constituency, as a “small boy”.

Ngige’s comment has, however, generated reactions on social media.

Below are some by Twitter users.

Ngige’s dressing-down of Faleke highlights the I-am-older-than you excuse with which people in OFFICIAL places pass up responsibility.

I’d have understaood if Ngige disgareed with Faleke on the basis of things like competence or moral presence.

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But age? In an official context?

— ‘Fisayo Soyombo (@fisayosoyombo) July 22, 2020

Which kind country be this?

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Ngige to honourable faleke: you’re a small boy, if you yab me I yab you back. I am a Lagos boy o. you grew in mushin I grew in VI. tah!!!! pic.twitter.com/ajXM3vHMdE

— Tosin Olugbenga (@TosinOlugbenga) July 22, 2020

Imagine doing “I’m not your mate?” during a Senate hearing?

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Grandpa Ngige! If you dont want to be questioned. Retire and Sit your mansion. pic.twitter.com/xbUMFTcQGW

— Wale Gates ???? (@walegates) July 22, 2020

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On a lighter note, Ngige deriding a Faleke is not funny. Authority lies in the position, not the person.

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If a Minister’s ego is too big to be accountable to a lawmaker/panel of enquiry with oversight functions on his ministry’s activities, then he is not fit to be a Minister.

— ???. (@Olufemiloye) July 22, 2020

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I’m not surprised tho. Buhari cabinet for the past 5 years is made up of the likes of Adamu Adamu, Ogbeh, Aregbesola, Akpabio, Ngige and the Minister that said doctors should go into farming or something. Lol
Unless y’all faking reactions.
Enjoy the cruise!

— Premier (@SodiqTade) July 22, 2020

Since the lockdown up til now, with no major social activities in the country, Nigeria politicians have been entertaining us back to back, from Gov. Wike to Apkabio, to NDDC chairman, now just Look at Senator Ngige??. Are you not entertained????

— Osama? (@osirmah) July 22, 2020

Are my bookings ready? cus am leaving this country for Ngige and the NDDC group of actors. pic.twitter.com/A6flUv1cXJ

— De Bishops (@UsangaFaith) July 22, 2020

For those of you who think #northern leaders are the cause of our problems, see our #southern leaders doing wonders in their own way, from #Akpabio to #Ngige to #Pondei. pic.twitter.com/ZJX02A8eIa

— Akpologun IV of Ososo Land? ?? (@akpologunDOTson) July 22, 2020

Thought it was the duo of Saraki and Dogara that “didn’t want the Buhari administration to succeed because of their selfish interests”? Why the daily/weekly dramas from the National Assembly with Lawan/Gbaja in charge?
Today’s episode featured Minister Ngige and Rep Faleke. pic.twitter.com/1pUgSF0U31

— Goodness Adaoyiche (@Deadlinechic) July 22, 2020

Ngige’s response to Hon Faleke is hilarious and a disgrace to Nigeria.

“I’m the same age as your mentor, you’re a small boy, if you yab me, I yab you back 10 times.” ?

Nigeria is a disgrace under this clueless and Ineptitude President called Buhari#bbnajia2020 pic.twitter.com/fyn1kf42U4

— Yousaseef? (@yousaseef6435) July 22, 2020

Tinubu is what all Nigerian politicians want to be,but when they can’t be him they result to flog him. Ngige so much envied Asiwaju that he was counting things he has done to surpass him, Senator twice?. He says am a Lagos Boy o! What a childish rant from a Minister? https://t.co/9gRsEBJYJM

— Olusoga Owoeye (@olusogaowoeye) July 22, 2020

This is what APC has reduced governance in our country. I’m surprised NASS members aren’t using their powers under the Legislative Houses (Privileges & Powers) Act to arrest & detain these loudmouth Ministers when they have the Sgt at arm https://t.co/TPDde19Y0f

— Great Oracle (@AbdulMahmud01) July 22, 2020

From EFCC, the Pondei NDDC drama to Ngige & Faleke. Doesn’t it just make u sick to the stomach? Such clownish infantile displays at the highest stage of our nation. The rot has gotten so bad we can no longer hide the maggots. Do we still have a president? What a circus!

— Attamah Ifeanyi (@fybloom) July 22, 2020

How much do Nigerian Politicians need gangan? So we can give them all they need and start building the nation. ???? #PeppeMeatballPizza
Ngige

— Babatunde Babafemi B (@Bsquarebabs) July 22, 2020

Chris Ngige successfully distracted everyone from the main topic. Being a Nigerian is a mental exercise. pic.twitter.com/ZFKpNoBmpZ

— Obinna Nwosu (@obi_Nwosu) July 22, 2020

I don’t find that Ngige’s video funny at all. Is it that I lost my sense of humor or what? ?‍♀️?‍♀️?‍♀️ That is not the place and time for such “beer palour hazing”…..Uncalled for from a Minister!!! Talmbout if you yab me I yab 10 times???

— Pelumi S (@OfficialPelumiO) July 22, 2020

It’s clear why we pay our politicians – so they can crack jokes, act and make us laugh. Obviously they are not there to deliver good governance.

Ngige https://t.co/TeN7yHy828

— Mr. Nice (@Mr_Nicex) July 22, 2020