No disrespect to NASS will be allowed, Buhari tells appointees

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Thursday, warned all his appointees that he would not accept any act of disrespect to the National Assembly.

Recently, the National Assembly had a confrontation with the Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, over the proposed 774,000 jobs.

Subsequent issue arose after the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, on Thursday, shunned the invitation of the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora on the investigation of trafficking of persons out of Nigeria for the fifth time.

Less than 24 hours ago, top officials of the Niger Delta Development Commission walked out of the venue of an investigative hearing being held by the House of Representatives.

Buhari's warning was contained in statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, titled “President Buhari reads riot act to ministers, MDAs, Chief Executives on relationship with NASS.”

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.”