TheCable

President Bola Tinubu has appealed to members of the national assembly to exercise restraint in inviting heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

The president spoke on Wednesday while breaking the Ramadan fast with Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, and other members of the leadership cadre of the lower legislative chamber.

Hardly a week passes at the national assembly without lawmakers summoning heads of government agencies.

In instances where government officials fail to appear, they are often threatened with warrants of arrest.

Tinubu said while oversight is essential for maintaining transparency and accountability in governance, the frequent summons of heads of government agencies can affect service delivery to the people.

”I have been watching various committees summoning ministers and heads of agencies,” the president said.

“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 documentation.”

The president reiterated that he believes in the constitutional powers of the national assembly to uphold good governance through oversight responsibilities on the executive. 

Tinubu asked the lawmakers to use the occasion of Ramadan to show compassion and support members of their constituencies.

“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,” Tinubu said.

“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.”