The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado has urged heads of ministries, departments and agencies
By Haruna Salami
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado has urged heads of ministries, departments and agencies of government to prioritise appearance before Senate to enhance good governance.
Apparently responding to the threat by the Senate to issue warrant of arrest against heads of agencies that have refused to honour Senate invitations to appear before its committees, the Special Adviser said it was incumbent on such public officers to prioritise honouring such invitations.
Addressing journalists at the National Assembly Monday, Lado said his office has noted “some concerns that some agencies may not have consistently adhered to Senate invitations or requests for appearances before committees.
He said “while we acknowledge that competing official engagements may sometimes make it challenging for agencies to respond promptly to Senate invitations, it remains essential that these opportunities for engagement are prioritized to demonstrate our continued collective commitment to accountability and good governance.
“Engaging with Senate committees is an important opportunity for agencies to showcase their dedication to public service and accountability, while further reinforcing the people’s confidence in government”.
Themed “Enhancing Executive-Legislative Cooperation in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Vision”, Senator Lado reaffirmed “the importance of close and constructive collaboration between ministries, extra-ministerial departments and agencies, and the National Assembly, particularly its Senate committees, as a cornerstone of good governance and accountability.
“This cooperation is not only a constitutional imperative but also essential to achieving the bold vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in delivering rapid and transformative benefits to all Nigerians.
“Under the leadership of President Tinubu, this administration is fully committed to upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and service excellence.
“The President’s Renewed Hope Agenda is built on the premise of quick and efficient governance, one that brings tangible democracy dividends to the people without delay. A critical part of realizing this vision involves a proactive, respectful, and transparent relationship between government bodies and the Senate in its oversight role.
He said his office “respectfully appeals to all government agencies to continue to honor their commitment by responding to invitations from Senate committees.
“This aligns not only with constitutional obligations but with President Tinubu’s vision for a government that is responsive, effective, and fully accountable to the Nigerian people.
“In line with Mr. President’s vision, the office seeks to strengthen the partnership between the Executive and Legislative arms of government, a partnership that will be instrumental to delivering on our promises to the nation. Cooperation, transparency, and shared responsibility are the guiding principles as we collectively work towards the swift realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said his office remains dedicated to supporting this process and facilitating open channels of communication between agencies and the National Assembly, to ensure that all contribute meaningfully to our shared mission of national development”.
It will be recalled that last week Wednesday, the Senate gave its Committee on Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions the go ahead to use its constitutional power to compel any minister, heads of departments and agencies through issuance of warrant of arrest.
Need for issuance of warrant of arrest against heads of agencies arose when Chairman of its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions , Senator Neda Imasuen (Edo South) , complained about their refusal to honour invitations sent to them on petitions against them.
In granting the committee’s request, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio expressly said “you already have the power as provided for by section 89 of the 1999 constitution. Please use it by issuing warrant of arrest against any head of agencies refusing to appear before the public petition committee”.
