The Presidency has directed the Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, along with the heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), to comply with Senate invitations, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between government bodies and the National Assembly.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, Senator Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate Matters, criticized certain agencies for their failure to respond to Senate summons. He stressed that engaging with Senate committees is crucial for demonstrating public service dedication and reinforcing public confidence in the government.
Senator Lado remarked, “Honoring Senate invitations aligns with both constitutional obligations and President Tinubu’s vision of a responsive, accountable, and effective government.” He noted that this directive supports Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, aimed at delivering rapid and transformative governance to Nigerians.
This call from the Presidency follows the Senate’s announcement to issue warrants of arrest for specific agency heads, including Mrs. Walson-Jack, Works Minister David Umahi, and NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for repeatedly failing to appear before the Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
Other agency leaders facing potential arrest include the heads of Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, and Sally Best Properties Limited, following complaints from the Senate Committee’s Chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen.
In his address, Senator Lado reiterated the administration’s commitment to transparency, stating that timely cooperation between the Executive and the Legislature is essential for achieving the administration’s goals. He urged all MDAs to prioritize Senate engagements, emphasizing that these opportunities allow agencies to showcase their dedication to accountability and good governance.
Lado concluded by reaffirming that the Office of the Special Adviser on Senate Matters remains committed to facilitating communication between agencies and the National Assembly.