President Tinubu has advocated for restraint within the National Assembly concerning the summoning of leaders from ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) before parliamentary committees, stressing the importance of allowing these officials to fulfill their duties without undue disruption. His remarks were delivered during a Ramadan fast-breaking event held on Wednesday in Abuja.
Addressing Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas and other lawmakers, President Tinubu underscored the significance of oversight in promoting transparency and accountability in governance. However, he cautioned against excessive summoning of officials, which could potentially disrupt operations and impede services to citizens. He urged lawmakers to exercise discretion in their oversight activities.
“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,” President Tinubu stated. “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.”
Continuing, he emphasized the need to accommodate one another to ensure the smooth functioning of government operations. “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.”
President Tinubu also encouraged legislative members to remain connected to their electoral districts and to use the holy month of Ramadan as an opportunity to demonstrate empathy and support for the disadvantaged 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,” he affirmed. “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.”
In response, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas acknowledged the ongoing collaboration between the executive and legislative branches in advancing the nation’s progress during the first ten months of the administration. He emphasized the virtues of forgiveness, generosity, and prayer during Ramadan, urging unity and support for President Tinubu.
“I want to urge us to use this month to increase our good deeds and minimize our bad deeds. 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,” Speaker Abbas affirmed.
