Shehu Sani, a former federal lawmaker, has revealed why heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government disrespect members of the National Assembly.
There have been recent incidents of heads of MDAs such as Professor Kemebradikumo Pondei, acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta; Cairo Ojougboh, acting NDDC Executive Director (Projects); Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs; Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour, Employment and Productivity; and Festus Keyamo, Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Productivity either shunning invitations, walking out or making allegations against members of the House of Representatives or the Senate.
In a post on Twitter on Sunday, Sani who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the eighth assembly, explained that the frequency of such incidents is on the rise because of five factors.
Some of the factors he mentioned include the purported currying of favours by the federal lawmakers from the MDAs and the level of integrity of the parliament’s committee members.
Why heads of MDAs disrespect legislators;Legislators incessant requests for favors in form of contracts or Job slots.Needless summons by committees.Unofficial visits by Committee heads to MDAs.The subservient badge of the legislators.The integrity of d committee chair & members.
— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) July 26, 2020
President Muhammadu Buhari had last week read the riot act to heads of MDAs, warning that he would not tolerate any act of disrespect to the National Assembly by appointees of the Federal Government.
He gave the warning while receiving Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, according to a statement issued by presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu.
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