By Kolawole Ojebisi
President Muhammadu Buhari has read the Riot Act to ministers and heads of the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on the relationship with the National Assembly.
This followed a meeting between the President and the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, which held on Thursday at the Aso Villa in Abuja.
In a statement, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, highlighted the details of the meeting which lasted almost an hour.
Read also: Buhari Warns Service Chiefs: Your ‘Excuses ‘ll No Longer Be Tolerated’
He explained that it 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, Shehu revealed that the recent events at the National Assembly were highlighted.
He stated that 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 would not be accepted.
Read also: Armed Security Men Besiege Home Of Ex-NDDC MD, Nunieh In Port Harcourt
“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,” the statement said.
Read also: Corruption: Stop Criticising Buhari, We’re Clearing Your Mess, Presidency Replies PDP
Recall that earlier on Thursday the Acting Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission’s Interim Management Committee, Professor Daniel Pondei Kemebradikumo and some other members of staff of the NDDC had walked out on the house committee investigating the activities of the NDDC.
An action which prompted the committee to issue arrest warrant against Pondei and others.
Recall, too that on June 30,2020 the Minster of state for labour and employment, Festus Keyamo had engaged the Senate in a shouting match over 774,000 jobs domiciled in the National Directorates Of Employment (NDE)
