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President Muhammadu Buhari has warned ministers and heads of government agencies not to ‘disrespect’ or ‘undermine’ the National Assembly.
According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari gave the warning at a meeting he had with the Senate President Ahmad Lawan and House of Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila at the presidential villa on Thursday night.
The meeting comes on the day the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) walked out on a House of Representatives committee probing the NDDC’s finances.
The NDDC leadership accused the chairman of the House committee, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo of corruption, saying it would appear only if he steps aside from the probe.
Buhari’s meeting with the national assembly leaders is also coming after the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, accused lawmakers of seeking to hijack a government temporary work project.
But according to the statement, the President asked ministers and all heads of departments and agencies to, at all times, conduct themselves in ways that will not undermine the National Assembly as an institution, its leadership and members.
The statement read: “President Muhammadu Buhari received in audience the distinguished Senate President Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila at the State House, Aso Villa.
“The meeting, which lasted for almost an hour, was characterised by an engaging discussion on a range of key issues of national importance, particularly the role of the Legislature as a critical component in supporting their common goal and commitment towards improving the lives of the people of Nigeria.
“In the course of their conversation, recent events at the National Assembly were highlighted and the President re-emphasised his utmost respect for the National Assembly, adding that any disrespect to the institution by any member of the executive branch will not be accepted.
“Ministers and all heads of departments and agencies should at all times conduct themselves in ways that will not undermine the National Assembly as an institution, its leadership and members.
“The President and the leaders of the National Assembly recognised and acknowledged that the Executive and Legislative arms of government are essential partners in the fulfillment of their mutually aligned goal of improving the lives of the Nigerian people.”