President Bola Ahmed has issued a note warning to National Assembly, stating that the body should stop the constant summons of the ministers, that this not only distracts them but also hinders them from carrying out their duties as expected. The President has asked the lawmakers to be accommodating enough and in his words “let the poor breathe”.
The president Bola Tinubu stated this during the breaking of the Ramandan fast in Abuja on Wednesday 20th March, 2024.
At the religious event, the president acknowledged the importance of ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. However he said that constant summoning of the officials could lead to disruptions in operations.
He said: ”I have been watching various committees summon ministers and agency heads. I have complained to the Speaker to let the poor breathe. Let these people do the job. We are not saying 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 documentation.”
Tinubu encouraged lawmakers to remain connected with their constituents and utilize the holy month of Ramadan as an opportunity to demonstrate kindness and aid to those in need.
”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.
”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,