Buhari warns appointees against disrespecting federal lawmakers

Coming on the heels of disagreements between operatives of the Executive arm of government and federal legislators, President Muhammadu Buhari has told his appointees that he would not tolerate disrespect to the National Assembly.
In a statement after a meeting with Senate President Ahmad Lawan and House Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, Presidential spokesman, Mr. Garba Shehu, said the President warned heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) not to undermine the lawmakers.
In recent times, ministers, like Mr. Festus Keyamo, have had alterations with lawmakers. In fact, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) boss, Prof. Pondei, on Wednesday walked out on House of Representatives members while a meeting was on with one of its panels
The lawmakers subsequently issued a bench warrant for his arrest on Thursday.
The statement by Garba Shehu said, “President Muhammadu Buhari received in audience the distinguished Senate President Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan and Rt. Honorable Speaker of the House of Representatives Honorable Femi Gbajabiamila at the State House, Aso Villa.
“The meeting, which lasted for almost an hour, was characterized by an engaging discussion on a range of key issues of national importance particularly the role of the legislature as a critical component in supporting their common goal and commitment towards improving the lives of the people of Nigeria.
“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 the leaders of the National Assembly recognized and acknowledged that the Executive and Legislative arms of government are essential partners in the fulfillment of their mutually aligned goal of improving the lives of the Nigerian people.”
Lawan emerged from the meeting and told journalists that the National Assembly would no longer condone unruly behaviour from the President’s appointees, noting that their behaviour should be reflective of the their principal’s respectful disposition.