President Bola Tinubu has called on House Speaker Tajudeen Abass to ease the pressure of summoning heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in order for them to effectively carry out their duties.
Expressing concern over recent summonses, particularly targeting key figures like Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Yemi Cardoso, Tinubu stressed the importance of allowing officials to concentrate on their primary responsibilities without undue disruption.
During a Ramadan Iftar feast, the president stressed the need for lawmakers to wield their authority judiciously, understanding the crucial roles officials play in national development.
“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,” Mr Tinubu said, rebuking Mr Abbas at the program held in Abuja.
While advocating for oversight, he urged flexibility, proposing the acceptance of representatives or documents in place of summoned officials to ensure seamless operations.
“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,” the president added in a statement by his aide, Ajuri Ngelale.
The call for a balanced approach comes amid ongoing summonses, including those related to forex policies and inflation, underscoring the need for constructive dialogue between the legislative and executive arms.
