Following Imasuen’s threat to issue a warrant of arrest to some agencies for their incessant refusal to honour lawmakers’ summonses, the office of the President called on those found wanting to honour invitations
The Special Adviser to the President on Senate matters, Sen. Basheer Lado (PDP, Kano Central) has reaffirmed the importance of close and constructive collaboration between Ministries, extra-Ministerial Departments and Agencies, and the National Assembly, particularly its Senate committees, as a cornerstone of good governance and accountability. Sen. Lado made this remark while speaking to journalist covering the Senate on Monday, 14 October, 2024.
In a press statement titled “Enhancing Executive-Legislative Cooperation in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Vision,” the lawmaker noted that the cooperation is not only a constitutional imperative but also essential to achieving the bold vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in delivering rapid and transformative benefits to all Nigerians.
He said, “Under the leadership of President Tinubu, this administration is fully committed to upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and service excellence. The president’s renewed hope agenda is built on the premise of quick and efficient governance, one that brings tangible democracy dividends to the people without delay.
“A critical part of realising this vision involves a proactive, respectful, and transparent relationship between government bodies and the senate in its oversight role,” he added.
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The former lawmaker noted some concerns that some agencies may not have consistently adhered to senate invitations or requests for appearances before committees. “While we acknowledge that competing official engagements may sometimes make it challenging for agencies to respond promptly to senate invitations, it remains essential that these opportunities for engagement are prioritised 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 pleaded with all government agencies to continue to honour their commitment by responding to invitations from senate committees. This according to him aligns not only with constitutional obligations but with President Tinubu‘s vision to strengthen the partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.
OrderPaper recalls that the chairman, senate committee on ethics, privileges and public petitions, Sen. Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo south), during last Wednesday’s plenary, announced the a decision to issue a warrant of arrest for some agencies for their incessant refusal to honour lawmakers’ summonses.
Explaining the need to issue a warrant of arrest on the agencies, he said, “I needed also to inform the House and the senate president duly that because of the consistent refusal of some officers of some Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to attend meetings when they are called to attend our hearings, that I am going to be issuing a warrant of arrest to prepare these errand officers to appear before the committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions.”
The minister of works, Dave Umahi, chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the head of service of the federation, are among persons who risk arrest warrant for ignoring senate summons.
