President Bola Tinubu has cautioned members of the House of Representatives and Senate against the indiscriminate summoning of heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) before parliamentary committees.
The President made this statement during the breaking of the Ramadan fast in Abuja on Wednesday, where he met with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and other House leaders.
”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,” Tinubu cautioned.
“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.”
The President, however, urged lawmakers to exercise discretion in the execution of their oversight functions.
He warned that excessive distractions could lead to extended parliamentary sessions, possibly running 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,” Tinunu urged.
Tinubu also announced that the nation would honour the 17 military personnel who lost their lives in Delta State last Thursday.
