In a dramatic exchange on Wednesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged President Bola Tinubu to take swift action against any ministers in his cabinet who refuse to heed invitations from the National Assembly.
Akpabio, known for his direct and unflinching approach to national issues, did not mince words. He told the President that such ministers, who disregard the constitutional role of the National Assembly, have no place in his government.
He made these comments before a full house of senators and members of the House of Representatives during the presentation of the 2025 budget estimates. The budget, which stands at a monumental N47.9 trillion, was introduced to a joint session of the National Assembly by President Tinubu.
Akpabio’s words were sharp and firm. “Those who disregard invitation by the National Assembly are not democratic and therefore have no place in your government,” he declared, speaking directly to Tinubu.
The Senate President’s statement comes amid rising tensions between the executive and the legislative arms of government, particularly regarding ministers who have failed to appear before the National Assembly to answer questions about their ministries.
The National Assembly, as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution, has the right to summon ministers and appointees for accountability. Akpabio stressed that the legislative body must be able to hold the executive accountable and that ministers who fail to respond to such invitations are undermining this crucial democratic process.
“The ministers and appointees must respond promptly to requests from the National Assembly to provide necessary explanations about their work,” Akpabio emphasized. He pointed out that the legislature has the power to take action against non-compliant ministers, a power that should be used when necessary.
His comments were a direct response to ongoing concerns about some ministers who have been accused of ignoring or postponing National Assembly summons, a situation that Akpabio described as “undemocratic.”
Akpabio’s words also highlighted the delicate balance between the branches of government and the need for mutual respect between the executive and legislative arms. He reminded the President that the National Assembly plays a critical role in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
The Senate President’s call for immediate action against non-compliant ministers adds pressure on the President to assert his authority over his cabinet. Akpabio’s stern warning sends a clear message to ministers in Tinubu’s administration: respond to the National Assembly’s requests or risk facing severe consequences.
The remarks also came just a day after the original date for the budget presentation was moved. Tinubu, accompanied by key government figures, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, presented the 2025 budget estimates to lawmakers on Wednesday.
The budget presentation, which had been originally scheduled for Tuesday, was postponed to Wednesday after a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday.
The presentation of the budget, one of the most significant events of the year for the Nigerian government, was a reminder of the President’s priorities for the coming year. However, Akpabio’s remarks quickly overshadowed the event, drawing attention to the increasing tension between the two arms of government.
President Tinubu has yet to respond to Akpabio’s statement, but the call for accountability from the National Assembly is likely to dominate political discussions in the coming days.
In the past, there have been instances where ministers failed to attend National Assembly sessions, leading to protests from lawmakers. The National Assembly, in response, has occasionally threatened to reduce the budget allocations for ministries whose heads fail to attend hearings.
Akpabio’s warning may signal the beginning of a more assertive stance from the Senate, as lawmakers are increasingly concerned about the functioning of government ministries and the adherence to democratic norms. His call to action may also serve as a test of President Tinubu’s leadership in handling ministers who appear to disregard the National Assembly’s constitutional role.
As the 2025 budget process continues, all eyes will be on the President and his ministers, as well as the National Assembly, to see how they navigate this latest political challenge. The issue of ministerial accountability, especially regarding National Assembly summons, is a matter that will likely shape the political landscape in the months to come.
Akpabio’s firm position reflects the growing frustration in the National Assembly with what some perceive as a lack of cooperation from the executive. In a government that prides itself on democratic values, Akpabio’s call for action against uncooperative ministers might be the first step toward restoring trust between the two branches of government.
