Desist from disrespecting the National Assembly, Buhari warns Ministers

President Muhammadu Buhari has warned his ministers and all heads of departments and agencies not to disrespect the National Assembly.

Buhari issued this warning in a statement by Garba Shehu, his spokesman, after meeting with Senate President Ahmad Lawan and speaker of the house of representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila on Thursday.

According to the statement, Buhari admitted the role of the legislature towards nation-building.

The statement reads partly as follows: “In the course of their conversation, recent events at the National Assembly were highlighted and 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 will not be accepted.

“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 leaders of the National Assembly recognised and acknowledged that the executive and legislative arms of government are essential partners in the fulfilment of their mutually aligned goal of improving the lives of the Nigerian people.”

Buhari’s warning is coming following a recent face-off between Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, and a joint committee of the National Assembly during the deliberation on the 774,000 jobs to benefit citizens from across every local government in the country.