President Bola Tinubu has called on members of the National Assembly to exercise restraint in summoning heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) before parliamentary committees. The presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, conveyed President Tinubu’s message during a Ramadan fast-breaking event in Abuja, attended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and other House leaders.
While acknowledging the importance of oversight in ensuring transparency and accountability, President Tinubu expressed concern that excessive summoning of officials could disrupt their work and impede service delivery to the public. He urged lawmakers to use discretion when exercising their oversight functions, emphasizing the need to allow officials to focus on their primary duties.
President Tinubu stated, “I have been watching various committees summoning ministers and heads of agencies. I have complained to the Speaker about letting the poor breathe. Let these people do the job.” He highlighted the importance of considering the responsibilities and workload of officials, such as the Governor of the Central Bank or the Minister of Finance, before summoning them.
The President suggested alternatives such as accepting representatives or documentation in some instances to reduce the burden on officials. He emphasized the need for cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government to ensure effective governance.
In conclusion, President Tinubu’s appeal to the National Assembly underscores the importance of balance and cooperation in the oversight process, aiming to enhance government efficiency and service delivery.