Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on President Bola Tinubu to rein in ministers who fail to honour invitations from the National Assembly, describing such behaviour as undemocratic and unbecoming of public officeholders.
Speaking on Wednesday during Tinubu’s presentation of the 2025 budget estimates of N47.9 trillion before a joint session of the National Assembly, Akpabio made it clear that ministers who disregard legislative invitations do not belong in the current administration.
“Those who disregard invitation by the National Assembly are not democratic and therefore have no place in your government,” Akpabio said, addressing Tinubu in the presence of members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
He emphasised the importance of accountability, urging ministers and other presidential appointees to respond promptly to legislative requests for explanations regarding their official duties.
Akpabio also reminded the ministers that the National Assembly possesses constitutional powers to address any acts of non-compliance by public officials.
President Tinubu, who was accompanied by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and other top government officials, presented the budget estimates with assurances of its alignment with the nation’s developmental priorities.
The budget presentation, initially scheduled for Tuesday, was rescheduled to Wednesday following a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
