NASS vs Keyamo: President Buhari Warns Political Appointees

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday warned political appointee not to disrespect the National Assembly.

Naija News reports that the National Assembly had clashed with the Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, over the proposed 774,000 jobs.

Keyamo had engaged members of the Senate and House of Representatives committee in a shouting match on the matter.

While the National Assembly ordered Keyamo to suspend the recruitment, the minister had on Tuesday said Buhari had directed him to continue with the process.

During a meeting with the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan; and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Buhari vowed not to accept any form of disrespect.

In a statement to newsmen by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President asked all appointees to conduct themselves in ways that will not undermine the National Assembly as an institution, its leadership and members.

The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari received in audience the distinguished Senate President Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila at the State House, Aso Villa.

“The meeting, which lasted for almost an hour, was characterised 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 recognised 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.”