Nigeria: Presidency Orders Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to Comply with Senate Invitations

The Nigerian Presidency has issued a stern warning to the heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to immediately comply with Senate invitations. The call comes on the heels of the Senate’s announcement that it will issue warrants of arrest for certain agency heads who consistently fail to appear before Senate committees.

According to Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado, the importance of cooperation between government bodies cannot be overstated. "Engaging with Senate committees is crucial for demonstrating public service dedication and reinforcing confidence in the government," he emphasized. Lado added that honoring Senate invitations aligns with both constitutional obligations and President Tinubu’s vision of a responsive, accountable, and effective government.

The development follows a day of tension at the National Assembly, where the Senate announced its decision to issue warrants of arrest for several agency heads, including the Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Works Minister David Umahi, and NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for repeatedly failing to appear before the Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.

Lado emphasized the administration’s commitment to transparency, citing the need for timely cooperation between the Executive and the Legislature to achieve the administration’s goals. "The Office of the Special Adviser on Senate Matters remains committed to facilitating communication between agencies and the National Assembly, ensuring that all government entities contribute meaningfully to national development," he reiterated.

The Presidency’s latest directive has been met with a sense of urgency, as several agency leaders face potential arrest for failing to comply with Senate summons. The heads of Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, and Sally Best Properties Limited are among those facing potential arrest following complaints by the Senate Committee’s Chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen.

As the saga continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the agency heads will heed the warning and comply with Senate invitations. One thing is clear, however: the importance of cooperation between government bodies has never been more pressing. With the stakes high, the only way forward is through transparency and accountability – a mantra that resonates loud and clear in Nigeria’s political landscape.