National Assembly Joint Committee Summons Ministers Over Budget Explanation
The National Assembly Joint Committee on Oil and Gas has taken a stern stance against the Minister of State (Petroleum Resources), Heineken Lokpobiri, and the Minister of State (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo for their absence during the budget defense session on Thursday. The committee, comprising the Senate House of Representatives Committees on Gas and all Committees on Petroleum, warned the ministers of possible legislative action if they fail to appear on Monday.
The ministers, slated to defend their budgets, neither attended the session nor sent representatives, prompting disappointment from the National Assembly. The meeting, initially scheduled for Wednesday, was postponed due to the ministers’ absence.
Expressing his disappointment, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas, Jarigbe Jarigbe, criticized the officials, emphasizing that the National Assembly’s power should not be undermined. He underscored the significance of at least one minister presenting their intentions for 2024.
Alhassan Doguwa, Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum (Upstream), echoed the disappointment, noting the contradiction between the ministers’ actions and the collaborative approach advocated by President Bola Tinubu. He emphasized the vital role of the oil and gas sector in the nation’s economy and stressed the need for a cooperative working relationship.
Subsequently, Abdulaziz Yari moved a motion to summon the ministers on Monday, citing the impending deadline for committees to submit their reports. Yari highlighted the necessity of interfacing with the key persons before progressing. The motion, seconded by Oluwajuwonlo Alao-Akala, was adopted by the lawmakers.
President Bola Tinubu, serving as the substantive minister of the two ministries, has been urged to address the issue of ministers and heads of departments ignoring National Assembly invitations. The concern was raised by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during the budget presentation last month, prompting a call for restrictions on travel during the budget defense period.
Source: Premium Times
