President Muhammadu Buhari has warned ministers and chief executive officers of government agencies to desist from disrespecting members of the National Assembly.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said in a statement that Buhari gave the warning at a session with leaders of the National Assembly in Abuja on Thursday.
The president had met behind closed door with the Senate President, Sen. Ahmed Lawan, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, at the State House.
The presidential aide said the meeting, which lasted for almost an hour, centred on a range of key national issues.
He disclosed that the meeting deliberated on the role of the legislature in fostering national goals and improving the lives of the people.
”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.”
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted Shehu, who said the President has warned against disrespect to NASS by any member of the executive arm, saying that such action would 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 fulfilment of their mutually aligned goal of improving the lives of the Nigerian people.”
The meeting with the President might have come against the backdrop of altercations between the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN and National Assembly Joint Committee looking into the 774,000 public works jobs proposed to engage unemployed youths.
