President Bola Tinubu has kindly requested that members of the National Assembly show restraint in calling upon the heads of ministries, departments, and agencies to appear before parliamentary committees.
Addressing the conclusion of the Ramadan fast on Wednesday in Abuja alongside the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the House leadership, the President emphasized the importance of oversight in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. He cautioned against the excess summoning of officials, noting that it could potentially disrupt operations and impede the timely delivery of services to citizens.
”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. 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 documentations,” the President said.