Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on President Bola Tinubu to take action against “stubborn ministers” in his cabinet who fail to honor invitations from the National Assembly.
Akpabio stated that such ministers are undemocratic and should not be part of the government.
His comments were made on Wednesday during the presentation of the 2025 budget proposal, which amounts to N49.7 trillion, before a joint session of the National Assembly.
Speaking directly to President Tinubu, Akpabio said, “Ministers who disregard invitations from the National Assembly are not democrats and, therefore, should have no place in your government.”
He emphasized the need for presidential appointees, including ministers, to respond promptly to requests from the legislature, providing necessary explanations about their activities.
The Senate President reminded lawmakers that they have the constitutional right to take appropriate action when ministers refuse to appear before the National Assembly.
President Tinubu was accompanied by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, among other top government officials.
The presentation, originally scheduled for Tuesday, was delayed until Wednesday due to a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
