Akpabio Warns Tinubu on Ministers Ignoring National Assembly Invitations
By Matthjew Eloyi
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged President Bola Tinubu to address what he described as the growing disregard by some “intransigent ministers” for the National Assembly’s invitations, emphasising that such behaviour is undemocratic.
Akpabio made the call on Wednesday during President Tinubu’s presentation of the 2025 budget estimates, totaling N47.9 trillion, before a joint session of the National Assembly.
“Those who disregard invitations by the National Assembly are not democratic and therefore have no place in your government,” Akpabio told Tinubu in the presence of senators and members of the House of Representatives.
The Senate President underscored the constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly to seek accountability from ministers and presidential appointees, urging them to promptly respond to legislative inquiries about their activities.
He further warned that lawmakers have the constitutional powers to take necessary action against any officials who fail to honor such invitations.
President Tinubu was accompanied to the budget presentation by top government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The presentation, initially scheduled for Tuesday, was postponed to Wednesday following a Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.