Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has called on President Bola Tinubu to address the issue of noncompliant ministers in his cabinet who disregard invitations from the National Assembly.
Akpabio made this statement during the presentation of the 2025 budget estimates, amounting to ₦47.9 trillion, at a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday.
Addressing the President and a full house of lawmakers, Akpabio emphasized that ministers who refuse to engage with the National Assembly lack democratic values and should not serve in Tinubu’s government.
“Those who disregard invitations by the National Assembly are not democratic and therefore have no place in your government,” Akpabio said.
He further highlighted the critical role of ministers and presidential appointees in responding promptly to legislative inquiries to ensure accountability and transparency in governance.
The Senate President reminded the ministers that the legislature has constitutional powers to take action against individuals who refuse to appear before either chamber.
He noted that such actions undermine the democratic process and the vital checks and balances required in governance.
The budget presentation, which was initially scheduled for Tuesday, was postponed to Wednesday following a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa.
President Tinubu was accompanied to the National Assembly by key government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume; Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila; and other senior aides.
