President Bola Tinubu has urged members of the House of Representatives and Senate to show moderation when summoning heads of ministries, departments, and agencies before parliamentary committees.
Addressing attendees at the Ramadan fast-breaking event on Wednesday in Abuja alongside Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and other House leaders, the President emphasized the importance of oversight in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. However, he cautioned against excessive summoning of officials, warning that it could disrupt operations and impede service delivery to citizens.
The President urged lawmakers to exercise discretion in carrying out their oversight responsibilities.
”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.
Additionally, he stated that the nation would pay tribute to the 17 military personnel who lost their lives in Delta State last Thursday.