Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on President Bola Tinubu to caution ministers in his cabinet who fail to honor invitations from the National Assembly, describing such behavior as undemocratic.
Speaking on Wednesday during Tinubu's presentation of the 2025 budget estimates of ₦49.7 trillion to a joint session of the National Assembly, Akpabio emphasized that ministers who disregard the legislature’s summons “have no place in your government.”
Akpabio underscored the constitutional duty of ministers to appear before the National Assembly to provide explanations about their activities and decisions. He noted that the legislature possesses the constitutional authority to act against officials who fail to comply.
“Those who disregard invitations by the National Assembly are not democratic and therefore have no place in your government,” Akpabio stated before an audience of senators, members of the House of Representatives, and other dignitaries.
President Tinubu was accompanied by high-ranking officials, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila. The budget presentation, originally scheduled for Tuesday, was postponed to accommodate a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday.
Tinubu's ₦49.7 trillion budget proposal prioritizes defence, security, infrastructure, health, and education. Akpabio’s remarks highlight the National Assembly’s role in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance, calling for stronger cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government.
