Senate president Godswill Akpabio has warned ministers to respect invitations from the National Assembly anytime they are called upon.
The Senate President made this known on Wednesday when President Bola Tinubu presented the 2025 budget estimate of N47.9 tn before the National Assembly.
Akpabio said such ministers have no place in the country’s democracy, and their failure to appear means the assembly will use its constitutional powers against them.
“Those who disregard invitation by the National Assembly are not democratic and therefore have no place in our government,” he said.
He stressed that the National Assembly has the right to invite ministers to come and defend the allocation given to them and their ministries.
“They should know the invitation is constitutional, and we also have constitutional powers to take further actions when they refuse to appear,” he said.
Tinubu was accompanied to the budget presentation by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume; and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; among other top government officials.
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The Senate President also acknowledged the broader economic reforms led by President Tinubu, including the bold decision to remove fuel subsidies, and redirecting resources into critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
“These actions demonstrate the leadership’s commitment to Nigeria’s long-term prosperity and development,” Akpabio added.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration between the Executive and Legislative arms, Akpabio reassured Nigerians that the National Assembly is fully committed to ensuring the success of these reforms.
“With these reforms and the 2025 Appropriation Bills, we are laying the foundation for a new era of economic stability and growth for Nigeria,” he said.
The presentation of the budget was expected to take place on Tuesday but that was moved to Wednesday after a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) held on Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
