The Presidency on Monday urged all heads of federal ministries, divisions, and agencies to always accept invitations to appear at the National Assembly in accordance with the existing harmonious working relationship between the executive and legislature.
The admonition came less than 24 hours after the Senate threatened to issue an arrest warrant against some MDA chiefs for failing to appear before its Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions to answer petitions and questions.
Senator Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate Matters, stated in a statement he personally signed that collaboration between the two branches of government is important for the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.
He stated, “The President’s Renewed Hope Agenda is based on the principle of rapid and efficient government, delivering visible democratic dividends to the people as soon as possible.
“Proactive, respectful, and honest relationships between government bodies and the Senate in its oversight function are vital to attaining this objective.
“The Office has raised concerns that several agencies may not have consistently followed Senate invitations or requests to testify before committees.
“While we recognize that competing official engagements can make it difficult for agencies to respond quickly to Senate invitations, it is critical that these opportunities for engagement are prioritized to demonstrate our continued collective commitment to accountability and good governance.”
“Engaging with Senate committees is an important opportunity for agencies to showcase their dedication to public service and accountability, while further reinforcing the people’s confidence in government.”
He also stated that his office will continue to advocate for constructive collaboration between ministries, extra-ministerial departments and agencies, and the NATIONALITY Assembly, particularly its Senate committees, as a key component of effective governance and accountability.
Last week, the Senate threatened the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi; the Federation’s Head of Service, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack; the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa; and others with the issuance of an arrest warrant for ignoring invitations from its committee.
The chief executives of Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, and Sally Best Properties Limited have also risked arrest warrants.
